Skidmore first choice for Golden Pal's next start
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Wesley Ward is still not sure where Golden Pal will make his next start. Golden Pal, a maiden, finished second in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Ward is hoping to run Golden Pal in the $85,000 Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 21. But the Skidmore is in jeopardy of not filling because 13 of the 18 nominees are trained by Ward and several of the other nominees have run recently. Entries for the Skidmore are to be taken Sunday.
Ward said owner Randall Lowe would pay $5,000 to enter Golden Pal in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, England, also scheduled for Aug. 21. If the Skidmore does not go, Golden Pal could be put on a plane Tuesday.
“If the race goes at Saratoga, we’re staying here,” Ward said.
Ward had Golden Pal entered in the Tyro Stakes last Saturday at Monmouth Park. He as well as stablemate Fauci were scratched from that race. Fauci, a recent maiden winner at Keeneland, also is being pointed to the Skidmore.