Dream Tree looks to extend unbeaten streak in La Brea Stakes

Dream Tree attempts to run her unbeaten streak to six races in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs on opening day at Santa Anita this Wednesday.

The bay daughter of UncleMo will be making her first start since Sept. 2, when she captured the Grade 2 Prioress at Saratoga by 4 ¼ lengths under Mike Smith, who rides back in the La Brea.

“I missed some time with her and was going to run her in the Breeders’ Cup, but she had a throat issue, an entrapped epiglottis,” said trainer Bob Baffert, who has won the La Brea a record seven times. “But she’s doing well now and she’s going to work tomorrow, but it’s hard to get a gauge on your horses over this track.”

Dream Tree, owned by Phoenix Thoroughbred III, has been working steadily at Santa Anita since the Prioress, showing three bullet drills among her last six published works.

“I haven’t had too many Uncle Mos,” Baffert said, “but they’re all race horses, like Indian Charlies, although it’s hard to stay undefeated in California.”

Baffert’s previous La Brea wins were with Arches of Gold (1992), Magical Allure (1998), Hookedonthefeelin (1999), Pussycat Doll (2005), Downthedustyroad (2006), Indian Blessing (2008) and Book Review (2012).

Entries for the La Brea and the rest of the stakes-laden opening day card will be drawn Friday.