Starting point set for Dreams Are Free's spring campaign
Dreams Are Free has two goals to kick in his spring return at Wyndham on Friday.
The popular pacer will begin his campaign amid what are sure to be testing conditions following a shocking run of southern weather.
In doing so, Dreams Are Free will begin his path to newly unveiled three-year-old slot race on Show Day of New Zealand Cup Week in The Velocity.
Trainer-driver Nathan Williamson will be attempting to time his run to perfection as Dreams Are Free begins his road to the $500,000 feature with his stable star.
While the horse’s first mission is to step out at Wyndham and build his race fitness, the Group One placegetter has another area in which he must impress his trainer.
“He didn’t steer the best in his last trial, but we have made some changes with him and I have been really happy with him since then,” Williamson said.
“Obviously I would like to see him do things right on Friday, he can’t afford to be doing anything wrong when he goes through to the better races, but we are confident he can do everything right.”
While he looks very hard to beat on class, despite taking on horses with the advantage of race fitness, the likely conditions at Wyndham could complicate things for Dreams Are Free.
“He is first up and drawn wide and if the track is testing that could make things more challenging,” Williamson said.
“But I am quite happy with him and I would be expecting him to be going a very good race.”
Williamson has a seven outside drives at Friday’s meeting and three horses look to stand out among them.
Foxing Easton bolted-in in his last start at Gore and will attempt to double up eight days later.
And Williamson thinks he can do just that.
“His maiden win was very good and his confidence seems to be on the up.”
“When I asked him to quicken at Gore he let down very nice and he was very strong to the line.”
“One on the second row isn’t ideal but I would think if he got any luck he would have to be a great chance.”
Flashpoint looks another solid winning hope for the reinsman, on the back of a big debut third at Winton.
“He fought on very well at Winton and he should be better for that run because he is still green.”
“He is taking on two nice maidens but he should be right there.”
Majestic Love looks another solid eachway hope for Williamson on Friday following her consistent recent form in Southland.
Safely through Friday’s pipe opener, Williamson is eyeing a trip to the Sires Stakes Sophomore at Ashburton on Labour Weekend for Dreams Are Free.
The horse’s Wyndham outing is likely to decide whether the three-year-old steps out again before then.