Dreams Are Free close to resuming 

Branxholme trainer Nathan Williamson took Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous) and stablemate Passchendaele (Betterthanchedder) to the Oamaru trials today to further their preparation for new campaigns. 

The stablemates were the sole entries in a 2000 metre stand. 

“They just rolled round and finished more or less together and went what (time) I wanted them to go. Dreams Are Free had a good blow. The other fella is quite forward,” Williamson said. 

Dreams Are Free last raced in the New Zealand Pacing Derby, finishing eighth. He’s had two private hit outs prior to today’s trial. 

“He’ll tighten up with the trip away.” 

Williamson says a R55-R70 2000 metre stand at Addington next Friday is the likely starting point for the four year old entire. 

“That was another reason for coming here. Just to get his standing start manners in order.” 

Last season as a talented three year old colt, Dreams Are Free became anxious when racing at close quarters. That had an effect on his breathing but those issues appear to be behind him. 

“He seems pretty good like that. He’s a lot bigger and a stronger horse than he was. He’s really thickened up now. I think he’ll be a bit vulnerable in his first run or two until he gets really tight again. He’s been off the scene for some time so it’s aways going to take a little bit of time to get him back.” 

Passchendaele began his career with Bob Butt, and since transferring to Williamson he’s had had two starts for two wins. 

“I’m still playing around with a few things with him, so I may take him to Winton (3rd August) for the first heat of the Southern Surge.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink