Ward gunning for more glory

WESLEY WARD has repeatedly hit the target at Royal Ascot over the years and the American trainer again fires some serious bullets at this week’s meeting.

Ward turned heads when the unconsidered 33-1 chance Strike The Tiger became his first royal winner after taking the 2009 Windsor Castle Stakes.

Since that initial success, another 10 have followed.

“I love it at Ascot, everyone brings their best and I try my best to be a part of that,” said the 53-year-old former top jockey-turned-trainer. “You feel like you’re in a movie when you’re there.”

Ward has sent over WAR FOOTING: Wesley Ward enjoys Royal Ascot nine from his 100-acre former Tobacco farm in Lexington, Kentucky, primed for the meeting at the National Stud in Newmarket. “The horses have settled in really well and I feel I have a strong squad,” he said. “They are certainly going to bring their A-game to the table, although whether that is up to the level of their competition, we are going to find out.” Kaufymaker attempts to become the first filly to win tomorrow’s Coventry Stakes since Diadem in 1916. “If she wins then we’ll be tough to beat – and if she gets beaten then we may be outclassed,” he said. “Of all the workers I have had on the grass coming into the meeting, she has risen to the top.

“Maven, who has been over before, runs in the King’s Stand. I think he’s a real serious long-shot.

Tomorrow’s card features Twilight Gleaming in the Queen Mary Ruthin and Napa Spirit in the Windsor Castle.

On Thursday, Lucci and Nakatomi both run in the Norfolk, while on Friday Frankie Dettori is on-board Campanelle in the Commonwealth Cup. Golden Bell is in the Albany.