Trainer Darren Weir has revealed that exciting filly May’s Dream has been set for the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide on April 26.
May's Dream will begin her autumn campaign in just under a month after thriving during her stint in the spelling paddock. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
May’s Dream performed consistently during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, finishing second in both the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) and Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m), but failed to fire when eighth behind Kirramosa in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 7.
There was not much left of the lightly-built filly at the end of her spring preparation, but Weir told Racing Victoria at the daughter of New Approach had furnished nicely during her stint in the spelling paddock.
“She has come on and developed really well during her spell,” Weir said.
“Everything is great with her; she’s been back in work for four weeks now and we’re heading towards Adelaide with her.”
Weir admits that pressing on to the Crown Oaks with May’s Dream was probably a mistake, but the premiership leading trainer said that he wished to follow the wishes of owner Worrall Dunn who sadly passed away after a lengthy health battle at the end of last year.
“She was immature and light and she probably needed to go out to the paddock a bit earlier than what she did,” Weir said.
“The signs were there that she was training off leading up to the Oaks but Worrall Dunn, who is unfortunately not with us anymore, was keen to run and we pushed on.
“It was a good result as far as everyone was concerned from that point of view.”
Weir is currently leading the Melbourne Trainers Premiership and he had another big race win on Saturday when Prince Of Penzance outstayed He’s Your Man and Laidback Larry to win the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) at Caulfield.
The Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on February 12 and the Listed Launceston Cup (2200m) on February 26 are both on the agenda for the Pentire gelding; with Weir to make a decision on which race to target in the next few days.
“To be honest, I reckon the Launceston Cup would be great for the horse because it would make him grow up a bit,” Weir said.
“You’ve got to fly over there, get to a new stable and all those sort of things, which bring horses on a lot, but then if you happen to win the Mornington Cup you’ve got a free go at the Caulfield Cup.
“We’ve got a bit of thinking to do, but it’s a great position to be in.”
Weir had success in Adelaide last year; winning the Group 1 Robert Sangster Classic (1200m) and the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) with Platelet.
