Dreamaway Runsaway in Colleen 

July 29, 2024

Dreamaway. Ryan Denver/EQUI-PHOTO

Trainer Ward Wins The Race For The Seventh Time

Tom Luicci/Monmouth Park

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Dreamaway didn’t just run off the screen in winning Sunday’s $100,000 Colleen Stakes at Monmouth Park. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Flameaway may have run her way into the Breeders’ Cup as well with her performance.

That’s what trainer Wesley Ward was thinking in the immediate aftermath of Dreamaway’s 5¼-length romp in the 86th edition of the Colleen, when she blazed the five furlongs over a firm turf course in :55.64.

“We’re thinking about sending her next to California for the Speakeasy Stakes (Oct. 5 at Santa Anita),” said Ward. “We’ve been looking to get one out there and this may be the one to where we can get settled in. Based on how she ran today she is Breeders’ Cup caliber. That race will solidify if she is a Breeders’ Cup horse or not.” 

Bred and owned by John Oxley, Dreamaway made short work of her six 2-year-old rivals, gearing down late under Paco Lopez.

After winning her debut at Keeneland on April 21 against colts, Dreamaway’s first turf try was just as impressive – to a point, Ward said.

“Actually, her first race to me was better than this one and I will tell you why: She’s a tiger when she gets in front like she did today,” said Ward. “Sometimes when she gets behind, she doesn’t quite work as well. When she gets to the front, she’s a demon. She won’t let anyone by her.”

Lopez said he had few concerns after she broke alertly from post 2, ripping off the first quarter in :22.03 and the half in :44.36.

Lemonpeppasteppa was second, a neck better than Me Governor.

“I did not feel concerned about the (other) speed,” said Lopez. “There was a little pressure on the turn with (Popstyle). I stopped feeling the pressure, so I went inside. The first part was easy but the second had a little pressure, but she ran very good.

“She is very good. They told me she is a very good horse, and they are very confident with her. I just had to try and break and go. She definitely has a lot to prove but she is a very nice filly.” 

Dreamaway paid $3.60 as the favorite in the field.

The victory was the seventh for Ward in the Colleen Stakes. He previously won with Ruby Notion (2015), Red Lodge (2016), Mae Never No (2018), Foolish Humor (2019), Wink (2020) and Miss Alacrity (2021).

“She’s in the group if not better than the other six winners I have had in this race, especially with the way she ran today,” said Ward.

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