The earth trembled with a tremendous roar that carried from the infield all the way above the grandstand. Always Dreaming shot across the ground, fully extended in effortless flight. A stampede of rivals chased wildly behind, but to no avail. The bay son of Bodemeister could not be stopped. Always Dreaming thundered over the wire in the Kentucky Derby, and ended the day in a shower of roses.
That was the scene that played out last May, and now, one year later, Always Dreaming has returned to his finest place of glory, in search of victory. The regal beast has not visited the winner's circle since his crowning moment in Louisville last May, but is on the path of redemption as he strives to return to the top.
The likely culprit to Always Dreaming's poor performances after the Kentucky Derby was discovered to be a serious case of ulcers. After fading poorly in the Travers Stakes last summer, Always Dreaming took a much deserved break from the races and began his recovery. It wasn't until March of 2018 when the Derby hero made his return to the races. The nimble bay entered the Grade II, Gulfstream Park Hardacre Mile. He put up an admirable fight to be second, but simply could not get past the unstoppable force that was, Conquest Big E. It was a gallant comeback for a horse that had been sidelined for several months, and a good race to give Always Dreaming the foundation he needs to improve.
With a race under his belt to help get him back in shape, Always Dreaming has now set his sights on the Grade II, Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 4, the eve of this year's running of the Kentucky Derby. The spirited colt has been training very forwardly for the event, and has even been given the royal treatment since arriving at Churchill Downs on April, 23.
Always Dreaming was led off of the van and returned to stall 40, his throne from the year before. His regular exercise rider and partner in crime, Nick Bush, was there to welcome the champ back, and talked him up to the media, reporting that Always Dreaming has filled out and matured a lot since last year. He believes that the colt is fit and ready to fire on this track that he clearly loves.
Since his arrival, the Derby hero has been allowed the rare opportunity to train with this year's Kentucky Derby contenders during their reserved fifteen minute window of training on the track, which spans from 7:30 to 7:45 a.m. The nimble bay has been sporting a red saddle cloth to help him stand out from the Kentucky Derby contenders that are out strutting around the track along with him each morning.
Always Dreaming posted a solid four-furlong workout on April 26. He dashed through his half-mile work in a final time of :49.20. He moved with the same passion and ease in which he glided over the track last spring, displaying glimmering signs that the old Derby hero was still there.
As Always Dreaming soars over the ground with the mighty Twin Spires looming large above, it makes you wonder if memories of his greatest triumph come flooding back to him. He marched to the greatest victory of his life on this very strip, and now, hidden among him training in the morning is our next Kentucky Derby hero. A lot has happened since Always Dreaming's tour de force in Louisville last year, but as a new spring dawns it brings with it hope for a new beginning. As we prepare to crown our next champion in the fabled cape of roses and start a new chapter in our sport, Always Dreaming will be beginning a new journey of his own as he takes off in search of his former glory.
Always Dreaming dominated his rivals at Churchill Downs last May, and maybe this year, he can do it again. As of now, the dream is still alive for Always Dreaming, but whether or not he returns to his place on top, he will forever stand in history as a the lone horse who wore the roses in 2017.
Thank you to Eric Kalet for the beautiful picture of Always Dreaming! You can find his work here http://erickalet.zenfolio.com/
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