Crystal Dreamer is stepping up slightly in class and distance
Jockey Andrew Mallyon will head to Caulfield for one ride, hoping to build on a near faultless record aboard Crystal Dreamer.
Mallyon has ridden Crystal Dreamer in four of the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained gelding’s 11 starts for three wins and a second, including back-to-back victories this campaign at Werribee and Sandown.
Crystal Dreamer is an early $3.60 favourite to continue his winning run in Saturday’s Raymond Deagan Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield, stepping up slightly in class and distance from his last-start win on December 24.
Mallyon is looking forward to continuing his association with the lightly raced sprinter.
“I rode him in his first start and he ran second at Mornington and he was still very green at that stage,” Mallyon said.
“It didn’t take him too long because he came out and won at his next start (with Damian Lane aboard).
“He’s been an up and comer and always showed plenty of raw ability. He’s got quite a big action, quite high, and probably the best is still to come from him. So he’s quite an exciting prospect.”
Crystal Dreamer is bred for speed being by 2005 Golden Slipper winner Stratum out of Crystal Wit, a half sister to 2010 Slipper winner Crystal Lily.
Mallyon believes Caulfield should suit Crystal Dreamer and is hoping the outside barrier doesn’t pose too much of an issue for the progressive sprinter.
“I think he’s a lot better around a corner. At Sandown the other day, it’s a bit of a dog leg and he got a little bit lost and Werribee was probably too tight.
“But Caulfield is probably an ideal track for him. It’s still got the corner but he’s got plenty of time to balance up and let down.
“It’s obviously another step up but he’s had the two runs at the 1000 metres so he’ll be ready to go to the 1200 and hopefully he has a good showing.”
