Dream Ahead powers to second Group 1 win
BLANDFORD buy Dream Ahead gained a second win at the top level when taking the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket in breathtaking fashion.
The son of Diktat, trained by David Simcock, was bought by Blandford for just £36,000 at the Doncaster Breeze-up sales in the spring.
He got his career off to the best possible start with a nine-length win in a maiden at Nottingham. He then stepped up to Group 1 company for the Prix Morny at Deauville where he won cosily by a length and a half.
With William Buick in the saddle again this afternoon, Dream Ahead was even more impressive. He was settled towards the rear of the field but powered through runners to score easily by nine lengths.
Simcock said: “He’s a really exciting horse and it’s good to have one like him. We’ve been lucky to find one like him.
“He has got a nice way of going and a lot of size and scope. William (Buick) says he was green when he hit the front but I don’t mind that as he is still maturing mentally and there is plenty more to come from him.
“I see no reason why he shouldn’t go on next year and he is something to look forward to.”
Blandford’s Richard Brown added: “I’m still in shock. That was seriously impressive. He is a big, strong horse who looks to have a big future.”
Dream Ahead is now around a 5/1 chance for next year’s 2000 Guineas although on pedigree he is not guaranteed to get the trip.
His dam, Land Of Dreams, was a speedy juvenile herself winning the Flying Childers Stakes over five furlongs and Diktat was also a sprinter.
However, he is a serious galloper who settles well so it would be no surprise to see him make his mark in the miling Classics next year.