Dream Tree a perfect four-for-four following Las Virgenes triumph

Feb 05, 2018 Jennifer Caldwell/Brisnet.com

Phoenix Thoroughbred III’s Dream Tree continued her journey to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) with an effortless win in Saturday’s $200,345 Las Virgenes Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

The Uncle Mo filly stalked the early pace set by Thirteen Squared, easily passed that rival and the pressing She’s No Drama, and drew off in the lane to be 3 3/4 lengths clear under regular rider Drayden Van Dyke.

Dream Tree paid $2.60 as the 1-5 favorite for finishing a mile in 1:39.45 over the fast main track.

The win awarded Dream Tree 10 points toward a starting berth to the Kentucky Oaks on May 4 at Churchill Downs. The Las Virgenes is part of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series of points contests and awarded a total of 17 points to be divided amongst the top four finishers.

Exuberance rallied strongly to catch Steph Being Steph by a half-length on the wire, earning four points for the Kentucky Oaks. Steph Being Steph took home two points while Thirteen Squared garnered one point for the Run for the Lillies.

She’s No Drama and Holy Diver completed the order of finish.

Dream Tree is now 4-4-0-0, $390,000 in her career, including victories in the Starlet Stakes (G1) and Desi Arnaz Stakes. Bred in Kentucky by Mike and Pat Freeny, the Bob Baffert trainee is out of the Afleet Alex mare Afleet Maggi and comes from the same female family as Grade 1-winning millionaire Golden Ticket.