Wesley Ward’s American Contingent for Royal Ascot
Golden Pal and Campanelle Set to Shine
Wesley Ward, a well-known American trainer, has once again nominated a strong team of horses for this year’s Royal Ascot Group 1 races. Among the 16 horses in his contingent, Golden Pal and Campanelle are the standout contenders.
Golden Pal, who has already proven his mettle by defeating European rivals at the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, is coming off an impressive five-length victory in the Grade 2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland. Ward believes that Golden Pal’s next run at Ascot will be something extraordinary, considering his exceptional physical and mental development. Ward sees this as an opportunity for Golden Pal to make his mark and establish himself as one of the best horses Ward has ever trained.
Campanelle, a talented 4-year-old filly, is aiming for her third consecutive Royal Ascot victory. She triumphed in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes as a juvenile in 2020 and followed it up with a controversial win in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup last year. Campanelle’s recent 2 1/2-length victory in the Listed Giant’s Causeway Stakes at Keeneland only adds to the anticipation surrounding her performance at Ascot. Ward is optimistic about both Golden Pal and Campanelle’s chances, believing they are in prime form and have the potential to surpass his previous winners.
American Trainers Making Their Mark
While Wesley Ward is a prominent figure amongst the American trainers at Royal Ascot, he is not the only one making waves. Graham Motion, another regular at the prestigious meet, plans to send Spendarella to the Coronation Stakes and Sy Dog to the St. James’s Palace Stakes. Brad Cox has nominated Caravel for either the King’s Stand Stakes or Commonwealth Cup, and Christophe Clement has lined up Pizza Bianca for the Coronation Stakes, along with Slipstream, Derrynane, and Big Invasion for the Commonwealth Cup.
One notable mention is celebrity chef and horse racing enthusiast, Bobby Flay, who owns Pizza Bianca, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner. After her success in that race, Pizza Bianca delivered a runner-up finish at Aqueduct’s Memories of Silver, showcasing her ability to compete at a high level.
Golden Pal’s Journey to Ascot
A Juvenile Star
Golden Pal’s journey to Royal Ascot began two years ago when he finished a commendable second in the Norfolk Stakes as a juvenile. This early performance hinted at his potential as a top-class sprinter. However, his only loss since then came in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, where he finished an uncharacteristic seventh. Wesley Ward has a theory behind this unexpected result, pointing to the spacing between races as a factor. Ward believes that sprinters benefit from longer gaps between runs, avoiding the sting of returning too quickly.
Unfinished Business
With Golden Pal’s impressive form and physical development, Ward is confident that he has a horse capable of making a lasting impact at Ascot. The defeat at York has left him with unfinished business, and he sees the upcoming race at Ascot as an opportunity to set the record straight and showcase Golden Pal’s true potential.
Campanelle’s Royal Ascot Legacy
Aiming for a Hat-Trick
Campanelle has already established herself at Royal Ascot, winning the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes as a juvenile in 2020 and the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup through disqualification last year. Now, she has her sights set on an extraordinary feat – a hat-trick of victories at Ascot.
Impressive Recent Form
Campanelle’s recent victory in the Listed Giant’s Causeway Stakes at Keeneland affirmed her capabilities as a top-class filly. Ward highlights the strength of that performance, emphasizing that she competed against some of the fastest fillies in the country. With her current form and previous successes, there is a sense of anticipation surrounding Campanelle’s appearance at Ascot. Ward believes that she is well-prepared and has the potential to surpass his previous winners.
Ward’s Juvenile Success
A Track Record to be Proud Of
Wesley Ward has achieved remarkable success with his juveniles at Royal Ascot. Out of his 12 winners at the meet, eight have been two-year-olds, establishing Ward’s niche as a trainer. As the competition approaches, Ward is training a promising group of grass maidens at various tracks in the US, including Keeneland, Churchill Downs, and Belmont Park. The performance of these young prospects will determine which horses will make the journey across the Atlantic to compete at the prestigious event.
Conclusion
In summary, Wesley Ward’s American contingent for this year’s Royal Ascot is set to make a significant impact. Golden Pal and Campanelle, in particular, have captured attention with their past successes and impressive recent form. The combination of Ward’s expertise and the horses’ undeniable talent presents a compelling narrative heading into the prestigious event. Additionally, the presence of other American trainers and notable owners like Bobby Flay adds further excitement to the competition. As the countdown to Royal Ascot begins, anticipation mounts, and the racing world eagerly awaits the thrilling performances that lie ahead.
FAQs
1. Can Wesley Ward’s horses compete against top European contenders at Royal Ascot?
Wesley Ward has a proven track record of success at Royal Ascot, with his American runners consistently performing well against tough European competition. Golden Pal and Campanelle have already shown their ability to triumph on the international stage, and their upcoming races at Ascot are highly anticipated.
2. How does Wesley Ward prepare his horses for the unique challenges of Royal Ascot?
Ward carefully plans the training and spacing of his horses’ races to ensure they are primed for success at Ascot. He believes that sprinters like Golden Pal benefit from longer gaps between races, allowing for optimal physical and mental development.
3. Are there any other notable American trainers and horses to watch at Royal Ascot?
Graham Motion, Brad Cox, and Christophe Clement are among the American trainers who have nominated horses for the Group 1 races at Royal Ascot. Additionally, Bobby Flay’s ownership of Pizza Bianca adds further intrigue to the competition.
4. What is the significance of winning at Royal Ascot for American trainers and owners?
Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious racing events in the world, and for American trainers and owners, achieving success at this esteemed meet holds great significance. Winning at Ascot not only establishes their reputation on an international platform but also showcases the caliber of American racehorses.
5. What makes Royal Ascot such a unique and captivating event?
Royal Ascot combines top-class horse racing with a tradition of glamour and style. The five-day meet attracts racing enthusiasts from around the globe and offers a rare opportunity to witness thrilling competition among the best horses, trainers, and jockeys in the world. The pageantry, rich history, and intense racing action make Royal Ascot an event like no other.
