Given a wide trip for the first three furlongs and traffic trouble on the second circuit, the $16,200 final of the Mark Austin Pacing Series was no Sunday (July 12) stroll for Dreaming Out Loud. Nonetheless, he completed a series sweep with a 1:59.1 victory in the afternoon's featured event at Dresden Raceway.
The three-year-old Thinking Out Loud colt was put into play from post 5 at race's outset by Tyler Borth, but was parked in pursuit of a vicious :27.4 first quarter thrown down by Macharita (Mike Whelan). Borth drove on with his charge on the far turn, and they worked to secure the pocket behind Macharita as the pace slackened to a :58.1 half — only to be boxed by the first-over Mr Cheeseman (Lorne House) on approach to the clubhouse turn.
On the backstretch, Borth eased Dreaming Out Loud away from duelling leaders to gain a clear shot at them, and the strategy paid off. Dreaming Out Loud geared up for a three-wide stretch rally off the home turn and collared the fully extended pair of Mr Cheeseman and Macharita — second and third respectively in the end — to win by a widening length.
With victory in the Austin final, Dreaming Out Loud kept his undefeated career record intact. He has won all six of his assignments to date — all this year and all at Dresden — for trainer Keith Cullen, who shares ownership with Chris Cain. He returned $2.60 to win.
“He’s a real nice colt,” said Cullen after the victory. “He catches on very quickly and works so hard.
“A lot of credit goes to my wife Marilyn, she worked with his mother, Sammartha Stewart, and she does a great job working with him.”
To view Sunday's complete results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Dresden Raceway.