Racing: Manners maketh Dream victory

Baileys Dream returned to winning form in stunning style when effortlessly taking out the Group One $100,000 Easter Cup at Addington last night.

The 4-year-old son of Dream Away has been a difficult horse to handle in standing-start racing this season, but saved his best racing manners for when it really mattered for new driver Ricky May.

The leading South Island horseman settled Baileys Dream back in the middle of the pack before following Millwood Touche three wide around the field when there was 1000m to run.

May then launched Baileys Dream forward four-wide to attack the leader, Mi Muchacho, and powered to the front at the top of the home stretch scoring by a length over the fast-closing Mighty Cullen.

A further half-neck away third was Imagine That.

The 3200m was cut out in a slick 4.03.6 (mile rate 2.02.5) with closing 800 metre and 400 metre sectionals of 58 seconds and 29.2 seconds.

May decided to stay out of the mid-race speed war that erupted when Imagine That and the favourite Mi Muchacho improved around the field.

This proved to be the winning of the race as Baileys Dream powered into the race over the closing 600m while the rest of the field was struggling.

The well-built 4-year-old has been a standout performer for Pukekohe-based trainer Steven Reid, racking up 12 wins from 25 starts.

Regular driver Todd Mitchell did not travel south to Christchurch to drive Baileys Dream opting instead to fulfill driving engagements earlier in the day at Hawera.

It turned out to be a costly mistake for the leading Waikato horseman who has won the Easter Cup previously with Homin Hosed, Facta Non Verba and Gracious Knight.