Maven Targets Molecomb

[Wandering Eyes]

Wesley Ward has confirmed Richard Ravin’s undefeated Group 3 winner Maven (American Pharoah) an intended runner in the G3 Markel Insurance Molecomb S. at Goodwood on July 31. Having made a winning debut at Aqueduct in April, the American Pharoah colt travelled to Britain with the aim of providing his trainer with a third victory in the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot–only to be declared a non-runner on the morning of the race on account of the rain-softened ground. Switched to Chantilly, the chestnut colt saluted in the G3 Prix du Bois on June 29.

“We’re heading for the Molecomb–that’s the plan,” Ward told PA. “I think he would have shown up really well in the Norfolk, and it was a last-minute decision to scratch him. I just didn’t think it was fair to the horse–especially with him being by American Pharoah–to let him run in conditions that probably wouldn’t have been to his liking.

“It was great to see him win in France–it’s special to win any group race in Europe–and it vindicated our decision to bring him to Ascot.”

Maven is set to be a belated first runner at Glorious Goodwood for the popular American trainer, following Happy Like A Fool (Distorted Humor)’s late defection from the Molecomb in 2017.

Ward added, “I was all geared up to run Happy Like A Fool in the Molecomb a couple of years ago, before it poured down with rain and we decided to scratch her. I made it to the track, but unfortunately we haven’t had a runner there yet. Let’s hope for sunshine and good weather–and Maven will be there.”

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