Ward’s Ascot Arsenal Gains Strength

Wesley Ward’s already formidable team for Royal Ascot has been further strengthened with the addition of G1 winner Big Macher (Beau Genius) to his stable. Previously trained by Richard Baltas to win the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar last July and last seen running creditably in the G1 Golden Shaheen S. on Dubai World Cup night, Big Macher could see Ward doubly represented in the G1 Diamond Jubilee S. at Ascot in four weeks time. The 5-year-old colt may join stable-mate Undrafted (Purim) in the six furlong event on the final day of the Royal meeting and Ward is hopeful to improve on his already impressive strike rate at the festival.

   “Undrafted ran on Kentucky Derby day and is going to go in the Diamond Jubilee on the closing day at Ascot,” said Ward. “I’ve another horse called Big Macher. He’s trained by a friend of mine, Richard Baltas. He was kind enough to refer me to the owners. They want to run him in Royal Ascot so Richard felt it was best I took him on as I’m familiar with going there. We’ll breeze Big Macher on the grass and see how he takes to it before we decide which race to go for with him.” Last year’s Listed Windsor Castle S. winner Hootenanny (Quality Road) will again spearhead Ward’s team for Ascot when he lines up for the inaugural running of the G1 Commonwealth Cup, a six furlong race for 3-year-olds only. He is sure to face tough European opposition from the likes of Anthem Alexander (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Tiggy Wiggy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), first and second in the G2 Queen Mary S. Last year. However the unbeaten Limato (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}), though untested at anything above Group 3 level could yet start favorite for the race.

   Ward will also be represented in some of the juvenile contests, races he has such a good recent record in and he commented, “We’ve got a nice bunch of 2-year-olds coming over and we also have a nice 3-year-old colt, Luck Of The Kitten(Kitten’s Joy). He could go for the G3 Jersey S. Then I’ve got a nice filly Sunset Glow (Exchange Rate), who was second in the G3 Albany S. and in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf. We’ll try to do our best and put up a good showing again.”