“He’s not doing well. You can give him as many stands as you want (at home) and he won’t miss, but he’s not doing well when he needs to. It’s a concern,” said trainer-driver Nathen Williamson after Dreams Are Free (Captain Treacherous) made another slow start in today’s Tuapeka Lodge Cup at Ascot Park, but still won the race.
It has been 12 months since the talented pacer has won a race and today’s victory came as something of a relief to his trainer and ownership group, who have been very patient with the four-year-old.
“He’s had wind surgery, been in the Final Race and Derby, so he’s had some big missions. Hopefully he’ll get back to it.”
From the 20 meter mark, Dreams Are Free slowly noticed its pace. But once underway, Williamson immediately took him into the lead.
DREAMS ARE FREE REPETITION
“To be honest, it was more like a trial and he got away with it very softly at the front. He accelerated at a quarter of 26. It’s what you would say, it’s a confidence builder.”
The corrected time for the 2700 meters was 3-30.0 with the last 800 being taken out in 56.2 and the last 400 meters in a smart 26.5.
Share A Dream was a length and a quarter back in second with another neck back to Akatea in third.
The victory was the sixth of the entire series in just twenty starts.
“He has a huge engine in him when he is right. In my entire career I have never had such an engine that is so difficult to keep right. It is a relief to get another win, but I am not saying he is right either. He can be used much better. He just doesn’t feel 120% yet, but hopefully we will build to our best.”
Williamson will now discuss with the owners whether Dreams Are Free will go to the NZB Standardbred Aged Classic in Kaikoura in eight days.
“I’ll discuss it with the boys, but he may have to get away with going there a lot better than he is. But in saying that he doesn’t have many other options.”
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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