No Ascot return for Ward’s Pal
WESLEY WARD has ruled Golden Pal out of a return to Royal Ascot after the American sprinter suffered an injury setback.
The son of Uncle Mo finished second to The Lir Jet in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at the Royal meeting last June, going one better in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland in November.
Golden Pal had led the market for the King’s Stand Stakes at 3-1 — but Ward expects to give the colt his return to the fray in the US during the summer.
“It’s disappointing as we were so excited for the King’s Stand,” Ward said yesterday.
“But you know how these fast horses are, and we’re happy to have him bounce back. He’s good again now, and should have a first start around Ascot time.”
Ward expects to saddle Golden Pal for the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August, in which Acapulco and Lady Aurelia have finished second for him.
“I’ve had too many seconds in that race – I’ve got to get one!” he added.