Tucci Stables’ Imperial Dream won a speed duel with Seffeara before sprinting to a comfortable victory in the $150,000 Vandal Stakes for Ontario-bred juveniles, Saturday at Woodbine.
Trained by Nick Gonzalez, the dark bay son of Stormy Atlantic arrived at the six furlong ‘Poly’ sprint from a 4 3/4-length maiden win on July 13.
Seffeara, a track record setter on debut, arrived at the Vandal from a determined score in the 5 1/2-furlong Clarendon Stakes and was made the 4-5 mutuel favourite in the compact five-horse Vandal field.
Imperial Dream was quick from the gate for Patrick Husbands and took the race to Seffeara dueling through splits of :22.05 and :44.33. Imperial Dream widened through the turn and kicked away from the field down the lane en route to a 1 3/4-length score.
Imperial Dream covered six furlongs in 1:09.58. Seffeara stayed on for place over a rallying Sky Racer.
Gonzalez deferred to his rider to come up with a winning race strategy.
“He always showed tremendous speed in the early stages of his training. We were wanting to rate him because we knew the speed was naturally there. I told Patrick he’s a simple horse to ride, do whatever you want with him. Patrick has the experience and the know how,” said Gonzalez.
Bred in Ontario by Stan Dodson, Imperial Dream is out of the talented 2008 Bison Stakes winner Nicki Knew. Gonzalez noted that Imperial Dream could make his next start in the grassy Grade 2 Summer Stakes held at Woodbine on Saturday September 13.
Imperial Dream earned $90,000 in victory while remaining undefeated through two starts.
He paid $4.60 and $2.30 combining with Seffeara ($2.10) for a $5.30 (2-5) exactor. A 2-5-3 (Sky Racer) triactor was worth $6.40. There was no show wagering.
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