As soon as Golden Palace crossed the line after an impressive score in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T), coach Wesley Ward had a request to part owner Michael Tabor of Coolmore — the horse with Can you come back for another season?
In spite of Uncle Mo Colt’s exorbitant value as a future steed, the partners at Coolmore fulfilled Ward’s wish and outlined an ambitious global campaign for the 4-year-old Golden Pal season. Those plans include a ride across the pond – the third is the charm – for the King’s Stand Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot and even an adventure to showcase the foal’s amazing speed for Australian breeders, the world’s grass-court sprint experts.
The beautiful bay, accustomed to the time between the races, has returned to KeenelandOpening weekend, sailing to victory measures 4 3/4 in Shakertown Stakes (G2T) April 9, $350,000 in Keeneland.
“(Golden Pal is) just a special horse,” Ward said. “My assistant Julio Garcia is the one keeping him together. Horses this fast can be a chore with injuries and Julio is a master of his hands. He helps him relax. in the morning and go around and get him nice and healthy to where he looks like he’s going to be in this race.”
The Keeneland pitch, drenched by a combined winter of snow and rain over the weekend, was not a concern for Ward nor for his other opponents, as Golden Pal had previously caught Woodford Stakes in October last year by TVG (G2T) presented in a match of course with more for in the ground. An anomaly in Keeneland, Ward trains year-round at the Lexington Arena, and regularly trains on grass.
“It’s a nice field to run a horse like this,” said Ward. “I’m sure (Golden Pal) will be out of the race as much as he’s come for it just because of the ground conditions. I’m looking forward to getting past Ascot and showing what he can do over there.”
Bet on favorite team 3-5 in a field of 10, the outcome is never in doubt as Golden Pal takes a two-strike lead out of the gate and sprints away from his foe, bound by restraint loose control from racer Irad Ortiz Jr. through asking for the original fractions of: 20.94 and: 43.58. The quick opening splits simply sent his top opponents off course, like Filo Di Arianna faint again after three-eighths and California shippers Barrraza Turn your wheels on the road more gently. Golden Pal skips power lines down the lane phenomenally.
Ortiz wraps Golden Pal under the rope as he stops the timer at 1:02.21 for 5 1/2-furlongs.
Johnny Unleashed , a steady second throughout, kept his spot ahead of the wire with a massive 70-1 score for coach Eric Foster. Gear Jockey is 3/4 the length back to 1/3.
“He’s the best sprinter I’ve ever ridden,” Ortiz declared after the race.
Ward affirms Ortiz’s affections with, “I’ve had some fast horses, but none quite like[him].”
With the Breeders’ Cup in Ward’s backyard this year, the coach confirmed his excitement at bringing his star sprinter back to the Championships to defend his title in Turf Sprint.
Ward said: “He really matured when he was only 4 years old. “I’m really looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup here this fall. It’s generous (Coolmore) to let a horse like this go to training.”
Next stop: Royal Ascot.
The Golden Pal was bred in Florida by Randall Lowe and was the first foal in a graded stake win. Shipwright mare Lady Shipman , an excellent track and field athlete and earned more than $900,000. Lady Shipman has a pony yearned by Omaha . Beach Named Lieutenant General and bred again Uncle Mo for the 2022 season.
Video: Shakertown S. (G2T)
