QGOLD heats part of Lady Dreamer’s return

By Josh Spasaro

Lady Dreamer is still trying to find her best, but she has the benefit of time on her side.

The black bitch will start from box three in the first QGOLD Bolt heat over 390 metres at Q1 Lakeside on Friday.

She was impressive to win her last start over the same distance and at the same venue last Friday.

She saluted by two-and-a-quarter lengths, crossing the line in 21.87 seconds.

And, after just 17 starts for five wins, it was a performance that gave Churchable trainer David Sloan faith that her best was still in front of her.

“I’ve got all the time in the world. She only turned two last month,” Sloan said.

“She showed last week, she’s back.

“But, last week she showed she was back. She’s just got to jump.”

Sloan believes his diminutive bitch can start well from box three after saluting from the four lane last week.

“I’m happy with that (box three). It doesn’t matter what box she draws; she’s won from out wide and on the rail,” he said.

“She led all-the-way, but when she got challenged by a very good dog, she kicked.

“We’ll be looking to step her up in distance after this. She should be strong, but the key will be getting out in 3.80 seconds and not four seconds.

“If she gets out in four, she’ll be in the middle of them and it’ll be ‘good night’ because she’s only a little girl.”

By Aston Rupee, Lady Dreamer is out of Nando Dreamer, who Sloan owns.

The conditioner is very happy with how the litter has gone, with brother Oliver Go a solid performer.

He has seven wins from 25 starts for over $38,000 in prizemoney.

“His brother (Oliver Half) got beaten by a lip over 520 metres at Q2 Parklands on Sunday, but he’s a bit underdone. They’re a long way behind,” Sloan said.

“The litter has already made $100,000 and they’re just over two. Oliver Go is having his first start over 600 metres on Sunday night.

“He’s been racing Free For All for the past month, which has made it really hard.

“He came second to Daysea’s Rory four weeks back and I’ve only raced him twice since.”

Sloan is delighted where he’s at in his conditioning journey that is only in its third year.

“I’m stoked. I’ve always owned dogs, but they weren’t racing enough,” he said.

“That was why I got into it myself.

“I’m enjoying it and it’s a hobby for me. Although I’m full-time at it – I’ve retired from work, so it’s given me something to do.

“I own a couple of construction hire and fabrication companies. I still own them, but I’ve stepped away from them now.

“We’ve got 50 dogs on the property with pups and some retired ones. It’s brilliant and I’m getting into the breeding side of things.”

Sloan added he had plenty to look forward to on the track.

“Nando Dreamer, I bought off Claude Dacey three years ago and I retired her straight away,” he said.

“I’ve got a Bernardo litter of seven that broke in two months ago. They’re about to start. And, I’ve got five running around Melbourne with Jason Stemmer at the moment.

“Fill My Pockets has only been down there three weeks. Jason is looking at putting him around The Meadows or Sandown over 600 metres next week.”

The four QGOLD Bolt heats on Friday will be followed by more on Saturday, with Rookies, Emerging Sprinters and Veterans races on the schedule, also on the Q1 Lakeside.