Dream Machine's only two races in the United States were solid efforts, second by a length in the second division of the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar on July 24, and third in the Relaunch Stakes on Aug. 16.But trainer Julio Canani is looking for a victory from the French- bred son of Bon Sang in Sunday's $150,000 Oak Tree Derby (gr. II) at 1 1/8 miles on the turf."He ran good (in the Oceanside), even though he got in a little bit of trouble," Canani said Wednesday morning. "He was even money (11-10) when he finished third in the Relaunch and we didn't suspect anything (might be wrong), but the next day he had a 105 temperature. But for this race (Oak Tree Derby), he's training unbelievable. He's doing things he didn't do before. He looks awesome."
As awesome as, say, Canani's 2001 Breeders' Cup Mile winner, Val Royal?"There's not too many Val Royals," Canani said.Probables for the Oak Tree Derby: Captain Squire, no rider; Dream Machine, Garrett Gomez; Inesperado, Corey Nakatani; Johar, Alex Solis; Mountain Rage, Mike Smith; Rock Opera, Laffit Pincay Jr.; Royal Gem, Espinoza. Possible: Taste of Paradise.
