Campaign of unbeaten juvenile back on track

The spring harness racing campaign of unbeaten juvenile Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) is back on track after a trial win at Ashburton on Tuesday (Sep. 27).

And that means he will take his place in the first major two-year-old race of the spring, the Harness Million at Addington on October 14.

Don’t Stop Dreaming has been the long-term favourite for the Million but trainer Mark Purdon was worried when the young gun had a minor setback a month ago.

But he suggested he was over that when winning a four-horse trial on Tuesday, beating among others talented stablemate Beckham.

He paced the 1700m in a 1:58.6 mile rate and scooted his last 800m in 56.4 seconds and his last 400m in 26.3.

“He felt really strong and did everything well,” said Purdon.

“He has that slight setback but he is better now and he will race in the Sires’ Stakes heat next week so he has a run before the Harness Million.”

DON’T STOP DREAMING TRIAL REPLAY

Purdon says the ground work Don’t Stop Dreaming had undergone before some slight issues last month will stand him in good stead and should ensure he is very close to his best for the Million.

He is the TAB’s $3 favourite for the Million ahead of fellow unbeaten pacer Merlin, who heads to Cambridge for a Sires’ Stakes heat at Cambridge on Thursday.

For complete workout results, click here.

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand