3 minute read

Wesley Ward-trained son of Uncle Mo wins Quick Call Stakes

The Wesley Ward-trained Golden Pal (3 c Uncle Mo - Lady Shipman by Midshipman) began his three year old season, just as he ended his juvenile year, with a commanding front running victory in Thursday’s Quick Call Stakes (Gr 3, 5.5f) at Saratoga. 

Under Irad Ortiz, Golden Pal scored a commanding three length victory over Omaha City (Temple City) with Jaxon Traveler (Munnings) in third. 

"He's a nice horse. I'm happy he came back where he left off," Ortiz said. "He broke really nice for me. When I asked him, he responded really well. I didn't want to ask too early. I didn't want him to do too much, he's been off for a long time." 

Thursday’s race was the first start since Golden Pal’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Gr 2, 5.5f) victory and the first in the colours of Mrs John Magnier. 

"He's so extremely talented and quick," said Wesley Ward, who has trained him for all five of his races. "He's a big horse and he moves like a cat, and that's where he really has an advantage. I was a little concerned going into the race that I didn't have a gate work into him, but he's so smart that he overcame that in the first jump. When they said 'go,' he was gone."