Lord Shanakill has already wowed his new trainer Richard Mandella as he prepares for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.

The former Karl Burke inmate has quickly won the affections of Hall of Fame trainer Mandella. He's had the son of champion sprinter Speightstown for a little more than a month, but has been encouraged by his style and abilities on the racetrack.

"He's an impressive horse," Mandella noted trackside on Monday. "I like the way he carries himself, and his works - especially his last three - have been very good. He worked here Saturday in eleven (1:11 2/5) and I think it set him up right."

The trainer said the colt galloped on Monday morning and would do the same right up to the big race on Saturday. He also confirmed that his regular jockey Jim Crowley would take the ride.