Ward Trainees Complete U.S. Preparation for Ascot

Keeneland-based trainer Wesley Ward put the finishing training touches on his invaders for Royal Ascot, working them over a "good" turf course at the Lexington oval May 28. Britain's prestigious Royal Ascot meet, where Ward is an 11-time winner, is June 15-19.

Friday's breezes gave the Ward trainees experience over a course dampened by precipitation.

"We got a good idea now whether or not they like the course with a little give in it—we were fortunate to have rain last night," Ward said. "I think all of them passed the test. They all are shipping over there very, very sound, which is ideal, especially for 2-year-olds.

"How well I do over there will be a little bit of a 'God factor'— if we get some fast ground and some sunshine."

Keeneland clockers caught Richard Ravin's Maven , pointed for the June 15 King's Stand Stakes (G1), working five furlongs in company with grade 1 winner Kimari  in 1:00 4/5. 

Two candidates for the June 17 Norfolk Stakes (G2)—Marc Detampel's Nakatomi  and Stonestreet Stables' Napa Spirit — went together in :48 2/5. Nakatomi was about a half-length ahead at the finish of the workout.

Andrew Farm, For the People Racing Stable, and Windmill Manor Farm's Lucci  (Norfolk) and Stonestreet's Twilight Gleaming  (June 16 Windsor Castle Stakes) went in company in :48 1/5. Twilight Gleaming finished just ahead under a snug hold.

Hat Creek Racing and Cheyenne Stable's Golden Bell  (June 18 Albany Stakes, G3) worked :48 in company with Stonestreet's Ruthin  (June 16 Queen Mary Stakes, G2), who went in :48 1/5.

Paired with Castleton Lyons' Chi Town Lady , Royal Ascot hopeful Kaufymaker  covered a half-mile in :48 3/5. Ward said Kaufymaker, owned by Gregory Kaufman, could run in either the Queen Mary or the Albany.

Ward's Royal Ascot team also includes Stonestreet's Campanelle , who won last year's Queen Mary. The horses are to leave June 1 from Indianapolis on their overseas flight.