Woodbine: Haunted Dream wins North America debut in Singspiel
Making his North America debut, Ireland-bred Haunted Dream enjoyed a dream trip on his way to victory Saturday in the Grade 3, US$111,295 Singspiel Stakes run over 1 3/8 miles on Woodbine’s inner-turf course.
Roscar broke sharply from the outside post 6 and was sent to the lead early in the Singspiel. He was followed by Legal Catch and Dancin in Da’nile while 7-5 favorite Haunted Dream, with Rafael Hernández in the irons, was tucked into fourth.
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It was Legal Catch first by a head through a quarter-mile in 24.61 seconds. He was shadowed by Roscar while as Haunted Dream followed the early proceedings from fourth place.
On top by a half-length after a half-mile in 50.05 seconds, Legal Catch maintained that advantage through three quarters in 1:15.52. He still was under consistent pressure from Roscar. Hernández gave Haunted Dream his cue around the turn for home, and the veteran gray responded with an energetic, seven-wide move.
Guided out in the stretch making a bid near the eighth pole, the eye-catching 6-year-old struck the front soon after and powered home to a 1 1/2-length score. Tosen Wish, who had burst through a seam in mid-stretch, secured second, a half-length clear of Dancin in Da’nile. Venencia was fourth.
The final time over firm ground was 2:15.40.
“In post parade he was full of energy, and I just wanted to make sure he relaxed, you know, and give him a good trip,” Hernández said. “We had a good trip the whole race. First thing we saved ground, and then my main thing was to get him clear in the backside. I don’t want to get stuck on the rail. Just let it roll down the lane.”
Trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, Haunted Dream is 39: 9-10-6. His most notable wins before the Singspiel came when he the 2023 and 2024 Al Safliya (G3) in Qatar.
“We made a bit of a plan to travel and bring him here,” assistant trainer Thomas Allen said. “Rafael gave him a very uncomplicated ride, and as he said, just kept it simple and gave him plenty of room.”
Sired by Oasis Dream out of Galileo mare Red Halo, the well-traveled gelding bred by High Rollers is owned by Wathnan Racing.
“He’s a true yard favorite for everyone,” Allen said. “Everyone loves him. He’s so unique.”
Haunted Dream paid $4.80 for the win.