Dreams Of Eric bounces back with third career win

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jordyn Bublitz 

How fortunes can change in the space of a few weeks.

On July 31 Dreams Of Eric fell soon after the start of his race at Cambridge. Last night the promising three-year-old colt was back at the track and in the winners’ circle after delivering a determined front-running victory in the NZ Farmers Livestock Mobile Pace.

Drawn wide in barrier 8, Dreams Of Eric faced a tough task on paper, but co-trainer and lessee Nathan Delany was quietly confident in the colt’s chances after some sharp work at home.

“When I saw the draw, I wasn’t overly confident,” Delany said, “but with the way he was working he definitely felt like a winner. He felt like he’d grown a leg.”

Driver Harrison Orange took the initiative early, pressing forward from the wide alley and working hard to find the front. Once there, the son of Vincent controlled the tempo and kicked strongly in the home straight to secure his third career win.

“It’s a good feeling getting a win with my own horse,” said Delany, “he’s such an honest animal and for him to just come out and go ‘bang’, it’s great.”

In his previous start Dreams Of Eric had to be escorted from the track by the Horse Ambulance, with Delany fearing the worst.

“I saw the way he fell and I thought he might’ve broken a leg. It took him a while to get back up,” he said. “I was really worried for Andre (Poutama) too, he was lying on the ground and never really got up.”

Thankfully, the colt walked away from the crash with only grazed knees and last night was fittingly wearing the colours of the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust.

Since making his debut in March, Dreams Of Eric has had 10 starts for three wins and four placings, a strong strike rate for a young horse still learning the ropes. Delany, who has leased the colt since he was a yearling, has been hands-on every step of the way, from breaking him in to getting him race-ready.

“I did think he’d be able to win a couple of races, but I didn’t think he’d pick them up as fast as he has.”

Looking ahead, Delany has his sights set on taking him to the Harness 5000 series in Ashburton this December.

“I think he’ll really enjoy the trip away and thrive. That’s our main goal for this season.” 

 

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