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Dream Comes True bounced back from a quiet debut to get right on the money at his next start on Sunday.
A barrier trial winner in New Zealand, the Alamosa three-year-old went on to win two more at Kranji, auguring well for a good career start. He may not have scored when backed off the map to start as the even-money favourite in a Restricted Maiden race over 1100m on July 29, but was far from disgraced with a closing fourth to Maximus.
With all the attention cast on Daniel Meagher’s “namesake” debutant Super Dan (Vlad Duric) and promising colt Sir Isaac (Michael Rodd) in Sunday’s $75,000 Esplanade Park Stakes (1200m), Dream Comes True ($28) had slipped a little under the radar this time.
Even during the race, Dream Comes True was hardly noticed from the get-go. Upon jumping from his wide gate, he was dropped back to the rear by jockey Manoel Nunes and just ambled along with the early leaders not too far out of reach.
In the home straight, Sir Isaac was being hailed the winner when he swept past race-leader Super Dan to hit the front with a spirited burst. He had, however, not reckoned with Dream Comes True’s brilliant turn of foot inside the last furlong, coupled with Nunes’ perseverance.
The Mark Walker-trained gelding looked like he was left with too much to do at the 300m, but switching across heels from the inside rails, he started to gather steam as he worked his way towards daylight, and all of a sudden, he had a clear shot at Sir Isaac, who was starting to get the staggers upfront. The winning post was looming fast, but Dream Comes True finished faster to nab Sir Isaac by a head on the line.
Super Dan led but weakened late to finish third another 1 ½ lengths away and will surely benefit from that first hit-out. The winning time was 1min 10.72secs for the 1200m on the Short Course.
Nunes said that in his pre-race strategy discussions with Walker, he was not keen to go forward from his wide alley.
“It was a small field. I discussed with Mark, and told him I didn’t want to go forward, otherwise I may get caught three wide,” said the Brazilian jockey.
“I didn’t want him to go and stop as well, so I told Mark I would see how he jumps, but I preferred to ride him quiet from the back.
“He was in a good spot at the back and once he came out, he showed a very nice turn of foot. He’s still learning what racing is all about and can only get better with more practice.”
Assistant-trainer Gus Clutterbuck said the Remarkable No 2 Stable-owned winner had plenty of scope about him.
“He was more balanced today compared to his first run,” said the New Zealander.
“He went low down in his action and finished it off very well. He looks like he is bred to go over more ground.”
Dream Comes True is out of Deputy Minister mare Paint Me A Dream who is a half-sister to Belmont Metropolitan Handicap (1600m) winner Honour And Glory.