Golden Pal Royal Ascot Bound After Shakertown Romp

As soon as Golden Pal  crossed the wire after an emphatic score in the 2021 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T), trainer Wesley Ward had one request for part-owner Michael Tabor of Coolmore—to bring the horse back for another season.

Despite the Uncle Mo   colt's exorbitant value as a future stallion, the partners at Coolmore gave into Ward's wishes and mapped out an ambitious global campaign for Golden Pal's 4-year-old campaign. Those plans include a trip across the pond—perhaps third time's the charm—for the King's Stand Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot and even a venture down under to showcase the colt's brilliant speed for the Australian breeders, the turf sprint specialists of the world.

The handsome bay, accustomed to a period of time between races, returned with aplomb April 9 on Keeneland's opening weekend, sailing to a 4 3/4-length triumph in the $350,000 Shakertown Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland.

"(Golden Pal is) just a special horse," said Ward. "My assistant Julio Garcia is the one that's keeping him all together. Horses this fast can be a chore with injuries and Julio is a master with his hands. He gets him to relax in the morning and cruise around there and get him nice and fit to where he's sound coming into this race."

The Keeneland turf, drenched by a wintery mix of snow and rain over the weekend, was far from a concern for Ward as it was for his other rivals, as Golden Pal had previously captured last October's Woodford Stakes presented by TVG (G2T) over a course with more give in the ground. Ward trains year-round at the Lexington oval, and frequently trains over the turf course.

"This is a beautiful turf course to run a horse this fast on," said Ward. "I'm sure (Golden Pal is) going to come out of the race just as well as he came to it, just because of the condition of the grass. I'm looking forward to getting over to Ascot and showing what he can do over there."

Bet down as the 3-5 favorite in a field of 10, the result was never in question for Golden Pal, who dashed to the lead two strides out of the gate and sprinted away from his foes, bounding along on a loose rein from jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. through demanding early fractions of :20.94 and :43.58. The fast opening splits simply ran Golden Pal's top opponents off their feet. As Filo Di Arianna  faded back after three-eighths and California shipper Barrraza spun his wheels on the softer going, Golden Pal skipped to the wire unchallenged down the lane.

Johnny Unleashed , a steady second throughout, held his position to the wire at a whopping 70-1 for trainer Eric Foster. Gear Jockey was 3/4 of a length back in third.

Ortiz wrapped up under the wire as his mount stopped the timer in 1:02.21 for the 5 1/2-furlongs.

"He's the best turf sprinter I've ever ridden," the jockey declared after the race.

Ward affirmed Ortiz's sentiments with, "I've had some fast horses, but none like (him)."

Golden Pal was bred in Florida by Randall Lowe and is the first foal out of the graded stakes-winning Midshipman   mare Lady Shipman , a stellar turf dash runner herself and earner of over $900,000. Lady Shipman has a yearling colt by Omaha Beach   named Lieutenant General and was bred back to Uncle Mo   for the 2022 season.

He improved his record to six wins from nine starts and boosted his earnings to $1,473,431. His two prior Royal Ascot trips resulted in a runner-up finish in the 2020 Norfolk Stakes (G2) and a seventh place effort in last year's Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (G1).

With the Breeders' Cup being in Ward's backyard this year, the trainer confirmed his excitement to run his star sprinter back in the Championships to defend his title in the Turf Sprint.

"He's really grown into himself as a 4-year-old," said Ward. "I'm really looking forward to the Breeders' Cup here this fall. It was very generous of (Coolmore) to leave a horse like this in training."

Next stop: Royal Ascot.

Video: Shakertown S. (G2T)