Ward team going great guns as Capote's Dream notches third win of the year

Tom Ward's good start to 2021 continued as Capote's Dream completed a third win in his last four starts in the 6f handicap.

The success gave Ward his eighth winner of the year from 50 runners and a 21st overall since leaving his post as Richard Hannon's assistant in 2019.

"We've been delighted with how things are going and the horses seem in great form," Ward said. "Last year was tricky with Covid as we were struggling to train out of one place when we had three yards.

"Thankfully this season we're all in one place and the environment is much more relaxed for both horses and staff. We've got an excellent group of staff at home and these results are great for them."

Tom Ward: burgeoning stable going from strength to strength

Capote's Dream was seeking a hat-trick when finding only a smart horse of Mick Appleby's too good over course and distance last time and Ward believes soft ground will help eek out more improvement.

"When he came here the other day the ground was just a little too quick for him, although he did run second and perhaps bumped into one," Ward said.

"I think he'll improve again for even easier ground so we may be mindful of him over the summer while the ground's a bit quick. We've had a lot of fun with this horse already."

Nankeen causes upset

Nankeen produced a polished performance on his debut to get the better of Greatgadian in division two of the mile novice stakes.

The son of Dubawi was still registered as being owned by Godolphin until the end of April but made a superb start to his career for new owners Rabbah Racing.

Now trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, Nankeen was pulled wide by James Doyle to challenge the 11-10 favourite Greatgadian and held on by neck to justify odds of 8-1.

Nankeen (right): holds off Greatgadian in division two of the mile maidenCredit: Pool

Doyle said: "He's a nice type and well put together. It was very straightforward in the race and I was always pretty confident I had the favourite covered."

In division one of the maiden, Sevenal overcame greenness to break his maiden for John and Thady Gosden under Robert Havlin.

The Sea The Stars colt looked much more at home over a mile having appeared not to stay when upped to 1m2f at Doncaster in March.

Arthur back on track

Eloquent Arthur returned from his winter break to get off the mark at the sixth attempt in the 6f handicap under Pat Dobbs.

Progressive as a juvenile last year for Richard Hannon until disappointing at Chelmsford in November, the son of Sir Prancealot appeared well ahead of a mark of 69 to win by two lengths.

"I was keen to get a good jump on him as there's a strong tailwind and it would have been tough to make up ground," Dobbs said. "He travelled superbly and the [good] ground suited.

"We've always liked him but he was a bit weak last year. Now he's turned into a nice horse who does everything right and has a good attitude."

Results, replays and analysis

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