"He is as fast as racehorses are" - Wesley Ward purring ahead of Bacio's Nunthorpe bid
US trainer Wesley Ward is full of confidence as his star sprinter Bacio heads to the Nunthorpe Stakes at the Ebor Festival after a commanding Royal Ascot win. Despite having twice come close with previous runners, Ward is optimistic that Bacio—who is favored in the betting and reunited with regular jockey Juan Hernandez—can finally bring home the prestigious prize, facing a strong field including Asfoora and Pershaada. Ward believes Bacio’s front-running style and raw speed will be decisive.
- Wesley Ward optimistic about Bacio's Nunthorpe chances after Royal Ascot win
- Ward aims for first Nunthorpe victory after two near-misses in past years
- Bacio tops the betting and faces strong rivals at Ebor Festival
Wesley Ward was in a bullish mood as he spoke to the press ahead of Bacio's tilt at the Nunthorpe.
Bacio helped Ward return to the Royal Ascot winner's circle in June, as he ran away with the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes. Juan Hernandez's mount was fastest away, and kicked clear again in the final furlong to win by four lengths in a rapid time.
Ward said in the immediate aftermath that they would aim high with Bacio, and was keen to return to England for a crack at the Nunthorpe on day three of the Ebor Festival.
"We are jumping in at the deep end of the pool," said Ward. "He is an extremely talented horse who has only been beaten once and we are looking forward to this race."
"It is quite a trip as we get him down to Chicago five hours away, where they walk them out on to the tarmac and then he is packaged up – like a FedEx package getting mailed anywhere in the world!"
"He is going to travel with a pony – Redneck Ways or just 'Red' – from the yard, which is an added expense. But, when they have a buddy, a gelding, they don't seem to fret or lose any weight travelling. Bacio is pretty easy-going but, it's like us, it is a lot easier to travel with a friend and it's the same for horses."
The Nunthorpe hasn't been kind to Wesley Ward down the years. The US native has watched two of his fastest sprinters come up agonisingly short, and the pain of those defeats still lingers in his mind.
"It is a race I have been second in twice," Ward continued. "We looked like a winner until we weren't with Acapulco. As to Lady Aurelia, it is what it is. I was watching in the paddock and I thought we had got beat, but when Frankie did the fist pump, I figured, 'Well, he's Frankie Dettori, so maybe we've got a little shot.'"
"We ran a great race, but we were beaten by a great trainer in Sir Mark Prescott. It just wasn't meant to be. Everything went well, but we didn't win."
For a while, there was uncertainty around who would ride Bacio at York. Oisin Murphy was originally booked before Asfoora was confirmed. Ward even gave Frankie Dettori a call, until regular jockey Hernandez was cleared to take the ride.
Bacio tops the betting for Friday's Nunthorpe Stakes, the full market for which can be found on our website. Ward's star will face stiff competition from not only Asfoora, but also the likes of Rayevka, American Affair and Mission Central. Crack two-year-old sprinter Pershaada will also feature in the field, but Ward is confident that his horse won't be beaten for pace.
Ward said, "It's a very historic race. It is a front-runners' track. He will be in front and hopefully, this time, the whole way. He is certainly as fast as racehorses are, that's for sure."
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