Nicholas Godfrey Blog: ROYAL ASCOT TUESDAY JUNE 17, TO SATURDAY JUNE 21. 2014

News from USA from Nicholas Godfrey

Racing Post Wednesday May 28, 2014

"WESLEY WARD (USA) targets Royal Ascot with a team of four juveniles.

"Although a set back has ruled out last year's sensational Norfolk Stakes winner No Nay Never for an intended appearance as a three year old in the Jersey Stakes, the American trainer sent a team of four Royal Ascot contenders for a tune-up on the turf at Arlington in Chicago on Monday morning.

"Having followed a similar path in 2013 with No Nay Never before his triumphant visit to Europe, Ward expects to saddle Spanish Pipedream, Hootenanny, To Be Determined, and Lindy at this year's meeting.

"Ward's first groundbreaking visit to Royal Ascot came in 2009, when he recorded a land mark double with the juvenile (2yo's) pair Strike The Tiger (Windsor Castle) and Jealous Again (Queen Mary)

"Highly regarded Spanish Pipedream, who won a Keeneland maiden on her most recent start, could well contend the Queen Mary, in which Ward saddled Sweet Emma Rose to finish second in 2013. "They're not quite No Nay Never, but they do really stack up, " said Ward. "I think Spanish Pipedream is definitely better than Sweet Emma Rose and possibly as good as or better than Jealous Again. "

"Hootenanny was beaten into third as odds-on favourite in a stakes race at Pimlico. "Hootenanny is talented, " said Ward. "Early on when he was breezing at Palm Meadows, he was good. When we put him on grass (Turf) he stepped up his game and I talked myself into running him at Pimlico, but I probably shouldn't have. "

"The maiden To Be Determined beat Presque Isle winner Lindy in a four furlong workout at Arlington.

"We're going to sort through everything here soon and see what fits best for each horse, " added Ward. "We'll see how we can divide and conquer. "