Dreams Are Free in Oamaru Cup

While most harness racing trainers have chosen to take their quality three year olds to races like the Lazarus Stakes and Flying Stakes, Southland trainer Nathan Williamson has chosen a different pathway for Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous).

After running a close second to quality mare Advance Party at Wyndham in his first start last Friday, the three year old will now start in Sunday’s Oamaru Cup – a 2600 metre stand.

“He’s never raced from a stand, but he’s qualified. He’s had two standing starts at the workouts and he’s paced away both times. But it’s different on race day so hopefully he can get off on the right foot,” he said.

Williamson has decided to take a measured approach with Dreams Are Free, staying away from the hard bashing that age group racing can dish up and he feels his colt has come on since his Wyndham outing.

“Certainly, doesn’t look as though he’s taken any ill effects from the run judging on how he pulled up the other day. He had a real blow and he’s come on from the run. That’s the reason  behind giving him another start (at Oamaru) before Ashburton and those three runs will tighten him up nicely for the slot race.”

The $50,000 New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Sophomore Classic over 1700 metres on Labour Weekend at Ashburton will be the first time Dreams Are Free has fronted horses in his age group this campaign.

The $500,000 Velocity on Show Day is the next target with the $300,000 New Zealand Derby on 6^th December his final target.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink