Tom Ward has had a fantastic May so far and updates Race Sharp readers on a selection of his top performers, as well as two running today (subject to Goodwood’s inspection):
TODAY’S RUNNERS
Zhui Feng 8yo gelding (1.40pm, Goodwood, 10/1)
He’s an eight-year-old and knows the game better than I do! The ground is the only question mark for him today and he’s run well around the track before. He has the blinkers on today and Tom Marquand renews his association with him. He might struggle to get his head in front but I’m hopefully he will run well and finish off. It’s not the best Class 2 race on paper.
Ambarella 3yo filly (2.25pm, Bath, 18/1)
I think she has a really good chance. We have changed a few things with her at home and she wears the blinkers for the first time today. She’s in good nick and I’m hoping that today’s the day for her, granted a bit of luck in running. I hope she can finish in the first four as she has been working well at home. It is not a very good race on paper.
RECENT PERFORMANCES
Tintoretto 6yo gelding
He won at the start of the month to begin our good sequence and has been raised 7lb to OR 90. I was waiting to put the blinkers on, for the right opportunity, and they had the desired effect off a low weight. I was a bit frustrated by his raise as he has never been that close off 86 but the blinkers clearly worked.
He’s in great form and will probably head to Epsom on Oaks Day for a seven-furlong handicap. He’s run well there before without much luck in running.
Beauty Stone 4yo mare
She’s an Australia filly – they take time and get better with age. She’s stronger now and got the hang of things over the winter, running good races. I was surprised she went off at 20/1 but proven them wrong, winning well and appreciating the give in the ground.
Although she has gone up 8lb I’m hopeful there is more to come from her, especially now on turf.
Mishal Star 3yo filly
She finished a narrow forth in Listed Canarvon Stakes last weekend, finishing as the best-placed filly against the colts, upsides Group Two winner Tactical.
She ran on heavy ground last year (the wheels spin at Newmarket) and then she had no luck at Chelmsford City. She needs quick ground and hopefully everything will line up perfectly.
I will leave her at trips between five and six furlongs. She is more than capable of getting black type this summer.
Alphonse Karr 3yo gelding
Alphonse Karr is a nice horse and this week was the first time he has fully relaxed in a race, winning a novice at Wolverhampton. Even if the morning favourite Boomshalaa had run, I am sure we would have given it a close run, especially carrying the penalty.
Off OR 77 Alphonse Karr will be competitive in handicaps and there will be a few races on the turf for him. We need the ground to come right for him and I hope he can continue on an upward spiral.
Capote’s Dream 4yo gelding
He is progressing really nicely and has won three of his last four. He will probably head to Haydock Park next week and I hope we have soft ground for him there. I hope he will make up into a strong sprint handicapper by the end of the season, as he continues to build.
Tom's Horses
- Tintoretto
- Beauty Stone
- Alphonse Karr
- Ambarella
- Mishal Star
- Capote’s Dream
- Zhui Feng
Tom Ward broke into the training ranks in 2019 following four years as assistant to Richard Hannon and had somewhat of a transition period throughout last year whilst his yard was being finished.
Coming into the spring of 2021, it is clear that Tom has a good team and set up at home, with his horses running consistently well.
We are delighted that Tom has agreed to a regular slot on Race Sharp this year and his blog will be updated midweek every week, with his thoughts on his forthcoming runners out of his Upper Lambourn base.
If you have any questions for Tom, or would like to make a riding enquiry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Race Sharp Team via the contact form below.
