Not perfect but Dreams Are Free wins Cup

“He’s not getting it right. You can give him as many stands (at home) as you want, and he won’t miss, but he’s not getting it right when we need to. It is a worry,” said trainer driver Nathen Williamson after Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous) made another slow start in today’s Tuapeka Lodge Cup at Ascot Park, but won the race regardless.

It’s been twelve months since the talented pacer has won a race and today’s win was somewhat a relief for his trainer and ownership group who have been very patient with the four year old.

“He’s had a wind operation, was in the Slot race and Derby, so he’s had some big missions. Hopefully he’s coming back to it.”

From the 20 metre mark Dreams Are Free was slow to find his pacing stride. But once underway Williamson took him straight to the lead.

DREAMS ARE FREE REPLAY

“To be fair it was more like a trial and he got away with it real soft in front. He quickened up with a 26 quarter. It’s what you would say is a confidence builder.”

The corrected time for the 2700 metres was 3-30.0 with the last 800 cut out in 56.2 and the last 400 metres in a smart 26.5.

Share A Dream was a length and a quarter back in second with a further neck back to Akatea in third.

The win was the entire’s sixth in just twenty starts.

“He’s got a huge engine in him when he’s right. In all of my career I’ve never had one so difficult to keep right. It is a relief to get another win but I’m not saying he’s right yet either. He can be a lot more dialled in. He just doesn’t feel 120% yet but hopefully we’re building to our best”.

Williamson will now discuss with the owners whether Dreams Are Free will go to the NZB Standardbred Aged Classic at Kaikoura in eight days.

“I’ll discuss it with the boys, but he possibly needs to be getting away a lot better than he is to warrant going there. But in saying that he hasn’t got too many other options.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink