1st-GP, $40,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 3-4, 3yo,
1 1/8m, 1:53.44, ft.
ALWAYS DREAMING (c, 3, Bodemeister–Above Perfection {GSW & GISP, $380,737}, by In Excess {Ire}), who crushed his competition by 11 1/2 lengths off the trainer change from Dominick Schettino Jan. 25, was smashed down to 1-10 in the wagering here and came through after setting a glacial pace. Under a John Velazquez stranglehold through splits of :25.51, :51.65 and 1:16.82, the $350,000 KEESEP yearling was barely asked in the run to the line and finished well to score by 4 3/4 lengths to the good of 83-1 Charlie the Greek (Adios Charlie). Third on debut at Belmont last July, the dark bay was beaten a neck second up at the Spa Aug. 20 before changing barns. The winner is a half-sister to Hot Dixie Chick (Dixie Union), GISW, $343,252, as well a 2-year-old filly by Medaglia d'Oro and a yearling filly by Pioneerof the Nile. Above Perfection, who won the GIII Las Flores H. and ran second in the GI Prioress S., was covered by Honor Code last spring. Sales history: $350,000 Ylg '15 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-1, $59,900. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-MeB Racing Stables LLC, Viola Racing Stables, St. Elias Stables, LLC et al.; B-Santa Rosa Partners (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.
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