Live In The Dream taking American adventure in his stride

Molly Hunter
October 3, 2023 1:19 pm

Favourable draw boosts hopes ahead of Keeneland challenge.

Live In The Dream has been making himself at home in America as he prepares to take on the Woodford Stakes en route to his Breeders’ Cup target.

The chestnut gave connections an unforgettable day when landing the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, a victory that earned him a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in November.

In preparation West has flown the four-year-old out to the States to contest the Woodford at Keeneland on Saturday, a five-and-a-half-furlong event worth the equivalent for GBP 175,000 to the winner.

West reports Live In The Dream to have fared well following the journey, as he prepares to do his first piece of work on the turf ahead of the weekend.

Joyous scenes after the Nunthorpe — Joyous scenes after Nunthorpe (Simon Marper/PA)

“He’s very well, he’s out of quarantine and he took the travelling very well,” he said on Tuesday.

“You can’t do too much in quarantine, he had a little canter on the track for the first time yesterday and he’s breezing on the grass today, then it’ll be a light blow with Sean Kirrane on Thursday.

“We got the draw last night and we’re very excited to be drawn in stall two, which I think will be helpful. There are some good horses in it but Caravel hasn’t declared which is a bit of a relief.

“We should know what our sectionals are and how our form holds up in real life against the Americans on Saturday.”

Sean Kirrane lifts the trophy following the Nunthorpe (Simon Marper/PA)

Though the Woodford is clearly a prize worth winning, the bigger picture is the Breeders’ Cup, and West has been focusing on the meeting since the horse crossed the line on the Knavesmire.

“He was pretty much ready and raring to go before he went out there, as much as I want to win this race I also want to see him bang on for the Breeders’ Cup,” said West.

“I’ll be flying out with the jockey tomorrow and the owners and my assistant trainer, so it will be good to get a picture of it for ourselves.”