'TDN Rising Star' Dream Maker (Tapit), who returned from an October absence to romp by 8 1/2 lengths in a two-turn allowance at the Fair Grounds Feb. 9, turned in his first timed workout since that effort zipping a half-mile in :47.80, the best of 111 moves at the distance Saturday morning in New Orleans. A homebred for John Oxley, he is expected to make his next appearance in the GII Tampa Bay Derby Mar. 9.
“He worked beautifully this morning,” said David Carroll, who oversees the Mark Casse Fair Grounds string. “It was just very smooth and very professional. The track was a bit quick this morning. He did it in hand and his gallop out was beautiful. He came back, cooled out great. We're very happy with him.”
A pair of unplaced efforts in the GI Hopeful S. and GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity called a premature halt to his freshman campaign, but those efforts were a distant memory when striding home as much the best two weeks ago.
“He hasn't regressed from his race at all,” Carroll said. “He's just been very professional with what he's doing. [Jockey] Florent [Geroux] was very impressed with him. Right now it's just a matter of keeping him happy. He's plenty fit enough. We have a great crew and everyone takes pride in their job. We're having a good meet and everyone's in a good mood. All the horses are doing well.”
The Casse barn is also represented by leading GI Kentucky Derby candidate War of Will (War Front).
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