The Ward Juvenile Express pulls into Aqueduct

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Having won three races for 2-year-olds at Keeneland so far this spring, trainer Wesley Ward now has his sights set on New York, which runs its first juvenile races of the year this week at Aqueduct.

On Wednesday, Ward has two of the six entrants in a 4 1/2-furlong race for 2-year-old fillies. On Thursday, Ward sends out Magnanimus Man in a 4 1/2-furlong race for 2-year-old males.

Each race has a purse of $100,000, as the New York Racing Association tries to stimulate early activity in the 2-year-old program, which typically is dormant until June or July. There will be eight juvenile races run between Wednesday and May 26 – four for males, four for females – that each carry a $100,000 purse. Owners and trainers also can earn bonus money for a top-three finish in any 2-year-old race run during the Aqueduct and Belmont spring meets.

In Wednesday’s opener, Ward will run Bangle and Shivoo. Ward has seven-pound apprentice riders named on both, but he said Monday he would replace Carlos J. Hernandez on Shivoo because he lost his apprentice status on Saturday. On Monday, Ward was unclear whom he would name on Shivoo.

“Mine are fast,” Ward said. “They don’t need older-rider experience. They’re going to break and go, so I’d like to keep the weight off if I can.”

Ward had Bangle entered in the first 2-year-old race of the Keeneland meeting but said he scratched her because she had a slight temperature. Ward said the temperature was back to normal quickly, he worked the filly April 11, and deemed her okay to run. Bangle is by Giant’s Causeway. Her third dam produced the Grade 1 winner Banshee Breeze.

Trainer Todd Pletcher sends out the uncoupled entry of Analyzeyurspending, a daughter of Overanalyze, and One Last Cast, a filly by debut winner Algorithms whom he owns and bred with his father. The dam of One Last Cast is a half-sister to the Grade 1 winner Lion Tamer.

Trainer Joe Parker also entered two in the race, both New York-breds. Fair City Girl, a daughter of Dublin, is a half-sister to six winners. Stream of Gold, a daughter of Two Step Salsa, is a half-sister to four winners. Parker’s horses are both owned by Rohan Ramdat and are coupled in the wagering.

On Thursday, the 2-year-old race drew a field of seven and goes as the third race on the card. Ward said Magnanimus Man may find 4 1/2 furlongs too short for him, but he does like that the colt has the outside post.

David Cannizzo sends out Rudy’s Boy, who finished second in the Aiken Trials in Camden, S.C.

“He got left and came flying,” Cannizzo said. “He’s got experience.”

Pletcher has a Repole Stable-owned entry of Surprise Wonder and Analyze the Odds entered in this spot.