Ward Eyes European Group 1 Next for Golden Pal
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Photo: Coglianese Photos
Golden Pal leads throughout in the Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
A day after watching his trainee Golden Pal cruise in the Quick Call Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course, trainer Wesley Ward said the speedy 3-year-old is likely to race overseas next.
Golden Pal was in command throughout in the July 15 turf sprint for sophomores over 5 1/2 furlongs. The race was his first since capturing the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2T) last fall at Keeneland.
Ward said he plans on shipping Golden Pal back to Kentucky in the next couple of days to prepare for a possible start in either the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) Aug. 20 at York in England or the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (G1) Sept. 12 at the Curragh in Ireland. Both races are at five furlongs on grass.
"Right now, when he's this good, and you want to try and make him a sire, you have to hook into a group 1 somewhere," Ward said.
The Coolmore-affiliated Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Westerberg bought him this summer from breeder Randall Lowe. The latter raced him as a juvenile in the name of Ranlo Investments.
Ward plans to monitor the Uncle Mo colt's energy and workouts before deciding on the Nunthorpe or to await the Flying Five.
Golden Pal ran second at Royal Ascot in the Norfolk Stakes (G2) last June in a prior overseas trip.