Dream Going Straight to 2000 Guineas

If you exclude his one disappointing effort in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes that came on the back of two stunning victories at the highest level just a short while before, then it is hard to argue that David Simcock’s imposing colt Dream Ahead doesn’t have the best quality profile of any three-year-old going into their Classic season – and that includes the unbeaten Frankel, writes Elliot Slater.

Simcock reports that the son of Diktat has done very well indeed from two to three years, something not wholly unexpected in a young horse of such stature. He is back in work and going nicely with a galloping companion and is an intended runner in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on 30 April. The decision has been made that Dream Ahead will not have a prep run in any of the recognised trial races in UK and Irish racing and will instead go straight to HQ to bid for the first colt’s Classic of 2011.

When Dream Ahead, winner of the Middle Park Stakes by a superb nine-length two weeks earlier, (and who had beaten the best of the French juveniles in the Prix Morny at Deauville on his outing prior to that), faced the unbeaten Henry Cecil-trained Frankel, his form coming into the race was superior to the Prince Khaled Abdullah-owned horse. Simcock has admitted that he felt pressurised to run even though the youngster had only a fortnight earlier contested the ‘Middle Park’, and with the public clamour for the head-to-head he didn’t want to disappoint anyone who featured him in racing tips.

In hindsight he admits he made a mistake and his charge simply hadn’t recovered from his previous exertions. Frankel won in fine style and Dream Ahead was soon beaten and sensibly eased by William Buick, but that wasn’t the real Dream Ahead. I am certain the ante-post 16/1 chance is overpriced and believe he represents stunning each-way value for the 2000 Guineas.

Tags: 2000 guineas, abdullah-owned horse, best quality profile, colt dream, dewhurst stakes, Dream Ahead, dream going straight to 2000 guineas, Elliot Slater, henry cecil-trained frankel, horse, middle park stakes, stunning each-way value, UK, unbeaten frankel