Thursday's G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot has a wide-open feel, with the obligatory Wesley Ward challenger in McErin (Trappe Shot) trying turf for the first time as he takes on the Europeans. As impressive as any his trainer has prepped for this meeting on debut when successful by 7 1/2 lengths over 4 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 12, Waterford Stable's homebred was third in the Kentucky Juvenile S. on the slop at this trip next time May 4.
“He's a beautiful colt,” Ward said. “When you look at him you'd say he's just the perfect type for a sprinter. He's well and while he can be a bit buzzy on the gallops, when he gets to the racetrack he's the perfect gentleman. We've brought his handlers over from the States to get the saddle on to make sure he doesn't run his race in the paddock.”
Whether McErin turns out to be in the same league as some of the stable's past juveniles to emerge triumphant remains to be seen, but he will have to be smart to contend with Santry (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}). He beat the subsequent Catterick winner Consequences (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) in a decent novice race at York May 17 and is the pride of the Declan Carroll yard. Global Racing Club and Elaine Burke's Havana Grey (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) beat Frozen Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and had Tuesday's Listed Windsor Castle S. winner Sound and Silence (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) back in fourth when capturing the Listed National S. at Sandown May 25 and sets the form standard.
“I think a lot of him,” trainer Karl Burke said of Havana Grey. “I was impressed by his last gallop and he must have a chance in what looks a very interesting race. You have to respect whatever Wesley Ward runs, but his horse has a dirt pedigree so we'll have to see how he goes.”
Nine Below Zero (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) is one of several who defends an unbeaten record after impressive wins at Salisbury May 27 and at Windsor June 5, along with Brian Dolan's True Blue Moon (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) who comes here on the back of a success in the Listed Rochestown S. over this trip at Naas May 21.
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