Maidens Steal The Show And Point To A Bright Future
One was only having his second career start and the other was finally fulfilling potential but it was the story of the two maidens as Dream Of Dreams and Weekend Offender gave Kevin his first double of the 2016 season.
Dream Of Dreams had only been seen on a racecourse once but he took the eye of many experts when finishing second at Newmarket. Having raced very green and giving plenty of ground away he picked up in the last furlong to almost get up and win. The form of the race worked out well with 2 winners coming out of it and everyone could see the potential Dream of Dreams had.
From day one he looked a colt that would improve throughout the year. He has always been a big colt with a large frame that he needs to fill out, so to think he started in April was a shock to everyone. Dreams more or less twisted Kevin’s arm into running him because he was doing everything so easy at home . He did not disappoint but immediately Kevin decided to wait for the 6f races before sending him out again, a trip he was already screaming out for.
Haydock is a great track to run 2 year olds at and this was the place chosen to run Dream Of Dreams at. The one thing with grade 1 tracks is that you never get an easy 2 year old race at this stage of the season. Looking at the 14 runners in the parade ring for the 6f Novice Stakes, you could see it looked a smart race. There were a few talking horses making their debuts but it was Dreams who held the best form and arguably was the one to beat. Spencer was again partnering the 2 year old and sported the famous silks of Saeed Suhail, who had purchased the Dream ahead colt following his debut.
Dream of Dreams took everything in his stride and cantered to the start like a seasoned veteran. It was now time to see if he had learnt anything from his first experience, having run very green on debut. As soon as the stalls opened there was no such worries as Dreams jumped well and quickly got into his long, athletic stride. He had done everything you like to see from first to second run and moved to head the field from the start. Jamie dropped his hands on the colt and was happy to bowl along up front. The pair made a little move to track over towards the far side, creating a split in the field with Waqaas leading half of the runners towards the stands side. It wasn’t a massive split but there were two definitive groups with the flashy chestnut heading the lot.
Dream Of dreams travelled well through the early stages and he was showing a lot more maturity in his race. There was very little change early on with all the jockeys happy with their positions. Jamie allowed his mount a big long rein and it was the horse who was dictating how the race was run. With little to split the two leaders the pace was a nice and even gallop, fair to all and there would be no hard luck stories.
All the field were soon heading towards the business end of the race, all still travelling and not very much separating all the runners. Dreams still poured it on from the front with Spencer in his typically stylish pose on top. The race had revolved around the second runner from Frankel, Majoris, but this was one of the first to come off the bridle. One by one the back markers began coming under pressure trying to close the gap. Dreams still travelled smoothly, as did his co-leader Waqaas. Despite the runners in behind coming under pressure, they were not making any headway and it was the leaders who still looked the strongest.
The 2f marker loomed up and Dreams still travelled with plenty in hand. Waqaas was now under the Hanagan drive and quickly headed Dreams. Now Spencer decided to go for his mount and got down in the drive position. The pair began to draw clear of the rest but it was Waqaas who held the lead and was not stopping.
Dream Of Dreams had never come off the bridle at home and didn’t really get a hard race on debut. Everything that was happening now was new to him but he took it all in and responded. The two leaders now moved into the final furlong and Dreams began to get back at his rival. Jamie was now in full drive and a couple of backhanders had woken his mount up. Dreams stuck his head down and began to pick up, challenging the new leader. He soon got his chestnut head alongside but as he did, Waqaas drifted into him and gave a bump. It did not hinder Dreams but spurred him on as he quickened once again to go clear. With head down to the ground he galloped all the way to the line to win by 1/2 length.
The winning margin was not as wide as could have been and Dream Of Dreams was more impressive than this suggests. He learnt a lot for his first run and showed a maturity this time around. After jumping so well he ended up on his own in front and had to do all the donkey work, making his win a little more impressive. He showed a very willing attitude and all he wants to do is please you. Jamie said that he felt he would get 7f and loved getting his toe into the ground.
New owner Saeed Suhail is no stranger to classy horses having won the Derby with Kris Kin. The blue and yellow colours are famous worldwide and to have them in the yard is really an honour. Dream Of Dreams looks like a very smart prospect but Kevin is in no rush the colt. He is still raw and there is so much scope that he looks likely to continue to improve.
Dream of Dreams Pulling Away For An Impressive Win
Owners Matt and Lauren Morgan have gone from having a lean spell to churning out the winners as Weekend Offender ran away with the 7f Maiden at Musselburgh to make it 3 winners in a week. Very much like Briyouni, Kevin could scarcely believe that Offender was still a maiden at this stage of his career. That tag was well and truly shed as he dominated the race and showed his true colours.
Confidence was very high last time when Offender turned up at Hamilton in a similar event. Without being cocky about the chances, Kevin was sure that Offender just had to run to his mark and he would win. That was all true but unfortunately Weekend Offender ran very keen and gassy, tanking through the early stages before weakening at the business end. Disappointed but not deterred, everyone knew that was just a blip and so it proved when he travelled north once again.
The money came pouring in for Offender and he was sent off 2-1 fav. The punters never had a moments worry and could have been cashing out 2f from home. Graham Lee got the leg up and he rode the race as if he was on the best horse, which he was. Musselburgh always leans towards pace and as the stalls opened this was on show again. Dark Forest moved forward with a bit of urging and this was ideal for Graham as he swiftly moved to track the leader. After the first furlong the field shuffled into position with Offender just off the lead but keeping Dark Forest true. This move helped to settle the big chestnut and he travelled a lot smoother and Graham barely had to take a pull as Offender dropped the bridle off the lead.
With a fair and even gallop looking to be on, Dark Forest then slowed it right up to a very modest pace. This move did not change anything in behind him as one by one the rest of the field slowed to the relevant pace. Weekend Offender was very relaxed, something that could be said for connections too and today there was to be no excuses.
The first half of the race went without very much change in the order, the only moment to talk of was the rank outsider Truelove giving Paddy Mathers a torrid time when running extremely keen. Graham always had his mount on a long, looping rein allowing him his head and to use his elegant stride. The field soon headed into the bend and it was interesting to see how a big horse such as Offender would handle the tight turn. He was quickly on the correct lead and travelled easily, following the leaders every move. If anything Weekend Offender had managed to just move a little closer as they angled around the Scottish turf.
Swinging off the bend the field still had just under 3f to run. Weekend Offender was cantering but the leader was far from under pressure. Offender’s biggest rival in the market was Haraz and he moved with menace, tracking the favourite’s every move and arguably travelling just as strong. Graham just allowed his mount to travel as he pleased and the big chestnut moved up to join the leader with 2 1/2f. The strong travelling Offender began to pressure the leader, forcing Dark Forest’s jockey to get a little lower in the saddle. Haraz was still travelling just as well as Kevin’s charge and the pair were looking the most likely winners.
It was now who was going to play their hand first as the 2f marker came up. Dark Forest lost his long time lead, surrendering it to Offender. This move then forced Haraz’s hand who came under pressure to challenge the strong travelling Weekend Offender. Although they tried hard there was no stopping the new leader and he really began to assert, with relative ease. The gap started to grow from the 2f to 1f pole and still Graham sat pretty on top, barely moving a muscle. As the chestnut flew past the 1f marker he got a squeeze from Graham and quickened up again. The leader’s margin doubled in the matter of strides and he opened up an unassailable lead. It was now a precession and Weekend Offender powered to the line, easing up and with a wide 5 length lead.
It has taken a bit longer than expected but Weekend Offender is no longer a maiden. He has always shown ability and looked a lovely prospect from day one but it has just taken time for him to mature physically and mentally. He still has plenty of improvement left and is an exciting 3 year old for the season ahead. A lovely moving horse he will be seen to better affect in better races and will now go down the handicapping route, which should really bring out the best in him.
Weekend Offender Strides Into The Winners Enclosure For His First Win