WARD SEEKS NEW REIGN OF ‘TERROR’
WESLEY WARD has Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes favourite Battaash in his sights — with two-year-old “terror” Golden Pal.
Ward came within a nose of landing York’s fivefurlong Group 1 when Lady Aurelia was edged out by Marsha in 2017.
And he is confident of going one better tomorrow week with juvenile Golden Pal, beaten a neck by The Lir Jet in the Norfolk Stakes in June.
Torrential rain turned the ground on the Royal heath to good to soft, and Ward, whose son of Uncle Mo will again be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, said: “That certainly didn’t help our chances.
“If we get firm ground — and, from what I’m hearing, you guys are having a bit of a heatwave over there — that certainly will help our chances.
“On firm ground, he’s a terror at five eighths of a mile.
“His works at Saratoga on the turf have been unbelievable. The horse has just been breezing phenomenal, week in, week out.”
Reigning title-holder Battaash is Ladbrokes’ 1-2 hotpot to defend his title after breaking Goodwood’s five-furlong track record with a fourth victory in the Group 2 King George Stakes 13 days ago.
But Ward (left), whose youngster is a 9-1 shot to make the most of a 24lb weight concession from Battaash, added: “I watched that race countless times and Jim Crowley was knuckling down on him.
“I know it was a track record, but he looked to be all out.
“We’re taking on one of the best sprinters England has ever had, but you’re getting 24lbs and maybe we might get lucky.”