Tuesday 23 June 2015 17:30, UK
Wesley Ward believes Queen Mary winner Acapulco is perfectly capable of taking on the older horses in the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York in August.
Known as a trainer of exceptional two-year-olds, Ward has so far resisted the temptation to run any of his previous Ascot winners on the Knavesmire, despite the huge weight concessions the younger runners get.
As a filly, Acapulco would get a massive 25lb from her older male counterparts, and Ward is keen to give it a go, so much so he has even sounded out top American jockey John Velazquez for the ride.
"She's really something," said Ward.
"She's always been a big filly, that's why we bought her, she was so imposing at the sale.
"It was so disappointing when she had her first run on the dirt but we brought her home, breezed her on the grass, and that was the making of her.
"I've nominated her for the Lowther as well just in case, but she would get 25lb in the Nunthorpe and that is a hell of an allowance.
"Now as good as Ryan (Moore) is, I wouldn't want to be giving any of that advantage away so I've had a word with John Velazquez. The race is on a Friday so it won't conflict with any of his commitments in Saratoga.
"The weight is such a big issue, of course, she's still a two-year-old taking on hardened sprinters, but weight stops trains.
"That is why I'm so keen to run fillies against colts early in the season because of the allowance they get.
"I've never wanted to take on the older horses with a two-year-old before, but this could be the right one."
