Golden Pal earns 109 Beyer Speed Figure; Royal Ascot next
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Golden Pal emerged from his powerhouse Shakertown Stakes win Saturday in good condition, trainer Wesley Ward said Sunday.
Golden Pal, breaking brilliantly and showing his dazzling early speed, had the Shakertown wrapped up in midstretch and cruised home a 4 3/4-length winner. His Beyer Speed Figure, 109, was a career best, surpassing the 107 he earned in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.
“He actually got a little bit tired in the race,” Ward said.
Golden Pal races next in the five-furlong, straight-course King’s Stand Stakes, a Group 1 at Royal Ascot, where he finished second two years ago in the Norfolk Stakes. Ward said after the Shakertown that ambitious plans call for Golden Pal to make at least one start following the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in Australia before being retired to stud.