Dream Ahead swept to the front with a furlong to go and stormed home a decisive nine-length winner of the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes (Eng-I) at Newmarket Oct. 1. It was the second straight group I victory for the 2-year-old colt, who remains undefeated in three starts.
Al Aasifh and Approve were the quickest out of the gate as Dream Ahead found himself in last after breaking poorly. Allowed to settle into stride by William Buick, Dream Ahead continued to trail early on as Al Aasifh and Approve battled on a quick pace on the front end.
With just over a furlong remaining, Dream Ahead split horses and shot to the lead, drawing off to win easily despite drifting left across the track. Strong Suit made a late rally to finish second, a head in front of Approve.
The final time for the six furlongs was 1:14.28 over a course that had been downgraded to soft.
A delighted Buick said after the race, “He’s an amazing horse. He gave me a feel that no other horse has ever given me--bring on next year.”
Trainer David Simcock, who notched the second group I victory of his career, indicated that Dream Ahead could race again this season, possibly in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (Eng-I) on Oct. 16. That could set up a mouth-watering clash with the superb Frankel, who is being pointed to the race by trainer Henry Cecil.
Dream Ahead is by Diktat out of Land of Dreams, by Cadeaux Genereux. Bred by Darley in Kentucky, Dream Ahead is owned by Khalifa Dasmal. The bay colt was consigned by Bluewater Sales, agent, to the 2009 Keeneland September yearling sale, where he sold for $11,000 to Federico Barberini, agent.
Dream Ahead leaves the rest behind in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes.
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