'I think he'll be the best I've had' - Wesley Ward bullish as Golden Pal returns

Golden Pal, who is among the market leaders for next month's Nunthorpe Stakes at York, makes his first start since triumphing at the Breeders' Cup in a Grade 3 at Saratoga on Thursday night.

Trained by the Royal Ascot-loving Wesley Ward, Golden Pal was second in last year's Norfolk before winning the Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland in November.

2021 Norfolk Stakes replay

Ward thinks plenty of the three-year-old, who will carry Sue Magnier's navy silks in Saratoga's Quick Call Stakes on Thursday.

He said: "He's doing really well. We're excited about him. I think he'll be the best horse I ever had, but we'll see if it comes out that way. He does things in the mornings that are just so impressive.

"He's just an immensely talented horse and we’re looking forward to getting his season started here at Saratoga on Opening Day. Hopefully that leads into the Breeders’ Cup at the end of the year."

Golden Pal: victorious in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf SprintCredit: Bobby Ellis / Getty Images

Before then, connections could consider a crack at the Nunthorpe, which takes place at York on August 20.

Golden Pal is a general 4-1 for the Group 1 that Ward has plenty of unfinished business in having come second with Acapulco in 2015 and Lady Aurelia two years later.

The son of Uncle Mo had been a possible for last year's Nunthorpe until the British weather scuppered plans.

Read more:

The Lir Jet swoops late to deny Wesley Ward's Golden Pal in Norfolk

Threat of wet weather derails Golden Pal Nunthorpe bid as Ward opts for Saratoga

Coolmore purchase Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Golden Pal

'He's amazing' - Wesley Ward heaps praise on Turf Sprint winner Golden Pal

'It comes back to Sheikh Mo, Sheikh Mo, Sheikh Mo' - Godolphin's US summer lovin

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