David Simcock has warned he may have to consider an alternative 2000 Guineas to Newmarket if the ground becomes too fast for his great hope Dream Ahead.
The home Classic on April 30 is Simcock’s first preference, but an overseas trip is a possibility.
“I really want to run in the English 2000 but if things are not right, i.e. the ground, there are two other options, the French and Irish Guineas,” the Newmarket-based trainer said.
“I’d like to see some rain here, and if it comes up the fast side of good then that’s a no-no.
“It’s been a very dry March so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Dream Ahead gave Simcock the first Group One wins of his career in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes before he produced a run far short of his best in the Dewhurst Stakes – trailing home fifth of six to Frankel.
The Diktat colt looked on good terms with himself in a piece of routine work up the Warren Hill gallops in Newmarket on Tuesday and Simcock is once again full of optimism.
“Physically he has done fantastically,” he said. “He’s a long horse and he has certainly filled his frame.
“He’s a very laid-back horse in his work and we have always felt the step up to seven furlongs (1400m) would be fine.
“He gives the impression he will stay a mile (1600m) and we have trained him with that in mind.
“If he is a sprinter, so be it, but as of now, there would be nothing to run him in anyway.
“His work has been excellent, although we have not done anything serious with him yet.”
Considering Dream Ahead’s performance in the Dewhurst, just a couple of weeks after his scintillating effort in the Middle Park, Simcock reflected: “I was gutted on the day. I didn’t want to speak to anyone, and you know what people are saying about you.
“After the Middle Park he was showing the right signs, but they turned out to be the wrong signs.
“It was definitely not him that day – his demeanour in the paddock, he was on his toes and he looked light in there and edgy – and I was worried.
“At that time he had had a few weeks between his races and it was very disappointing. We’ve decided not to give him a prep run, because of the amount he puts into his races, so the longer between runs the better.
“I’m really excited about the thought of putting the record straight. I’ve not had a horse of his calibre before, although I’ve worked with them.”
Should the ground come right and Dream Ahead runs at Newmarket, he will be ridden by William Buick and is 16-1 with Paddy Power.
Written by Tom Peacock
