Illusionsndreams stepped on Pompano Park's five-eighths mile 'field of dreams' on Wednesday night and handily disposed of six Open rivals in a seasonal-best 1:54.3 for driver/trainer Andy Santeramo.
The eight-year-old altered son of Kadabra, co-owned by Santeramo along with Steve Maietta, burst out of the gate to an early lead. He then yielded three-eighths into the mile before reclaiming command three-eighths from home to score by three lengths over the 8-5 favourite, Celebrity Legacy (Bruce Ranger).
Glittering Muscles (Bryce Fenn) finished third with Adenium next and Tug River Dylan picking up the 'nickel' in the septet.
Clocking an opening panel of :27.2, Illusionsndreams seemed a bit headstrong early before allowing Northern Inferno to assume command and take the field half way home in :56. Midway on the backstretch, Santeramo sent his charge out and winging in a second move and, in just a few long strides, took command and opened daylight on the field past three-quarters in 1:25.3. From there it was a cakewalk home as Illusionsndreams was well in hand during the :29 finale, easily holding off the late-rallying Celebrity Legacy, who trotted the fastest final quarter in the race (:28.3), but was no threat to the winner.
In a post-race interview, Santeramo said, "...last week, we were chewed up pretty good going :26 and a piece from the seven post before we could take the lead and, after that, we didn't have any offense on the backstretch. This time, we had a great post and we were able to get the lead easily. It made a big difference tonight. 'Illusions' felt strong the entire way and when I asked him on the backside, he really responded. He was well within himself to the wire."
For Illusionsndreams, it was his third success of the year -- and 25th lifetime -- to send his seasonal bank bankroll to $15,245 and $324,390 lifetime.
(With files from Pompano Park)