Dream Marie gets another try at Gulfstream's Rampart

Dream Marie will seek to improve on last year’s runner-up finish in the Grade 3, $100,000 Rampart at Gulfstream Park Saturday, when the 4-year-old daughter of Graydar won’t have the likes of Letruska to stand in her way on her quest to prevail in the mile stakes for fillies and mares.

“She was second here in this race last year when the race was won by Letruska. Hopefully, we run well again this year,” trainer Matthew Williams said.

Letruska went on to win six graded stakes, including four Grade 1 races, in 2021.

Owned by Miracles International Trading Inc., Dream Marie finished off the board in her three starts subsequent to the Rampart before finishing first in the Obeah Stakes at Delaware. Two starts later, she finished second in an Aug. 23 optional claiming allowance at Colonial Downs before getting a break.

“We gave her a month off and a few months to get ready for this,” Williams said. “She’s been training really well for this race. I think she should have a great chance. She’s been training so well. She’s progressed. Every week has been better than the previous week.”

Junior Alvarado is scheduled to ride Dream Marie for the first time Saturday.

Slam Dunk Racing and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.’s Allworthy is set to return to action in the Rampart after finishing off the board in the Cotillion (G1) at Parx.

The 3-year-old daughter of Tonalist won back-to-back races at Gulfstream Park during the Spring/Summer Meet before finishing fourth in the Monmouth Oaks (G3) and third in the Charles Town Oaks (G3) in preparation for the Cotillion.

Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard for the Charles Town Oaks, returns to the saddle.

Joseph is also scheduled to saddle Ken Copenhaver’s Queen Nekia for a start in the Rampart. The 6-year-old daughter of Harlington captured the Royal Delta (G3) during the 2020-2021 Championship Meet at Gulfstream.

Imaginary Stables’ Don’t Get Khozy, Whisper Hill Farm LLC’s Dance d’Oro and Porta Pia Stables’ Gran Baby round out the field.