Turf sprinting sensation NICOLE’S DREAM (Northern Trend) is settling into her
new surroundings well as she tries to become the first American-trained horse to
capture next Sunday’s $1.28 million Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1), the world’s richest
five-furlong turf race.
Trainer Larry Rivelli has issued a positive bulletin on his star’s condition.
“She has shipped perfectly, not turned a hair or left an oat,” Rivelli said.
The five-year-old mare boasts an impressive record of 20 wins and 10 placings
from 42 career starts, including back-to-back victories in the Mamzelle S. run
during Kentucky Derby (G1) week. In addition, her resume lists several track
records as well as triumphs over males.
Nicole’s Dream’s race strategy is brutally simple.
“She will jump very fast
from the gate, take the lead and hopefully stay there. It’s the only way she
knows, and now is not the time to change things,” Rivelli said.
Her task will be made considerably easier if the world’s sprint king, SILENT
WITNESS (El Moxie), misses the race. Although his connections have not formally
pulled the plug, his chances of lining up are slim, as the gelding still has not
come back to his best after battling a virus.
Nicole’s Dream is not likely to be compromised by Hong Kong’s anti-medication
rules, according to her conditioner.
“She’s so tough, I hardly have her on any
medication,” Rivelli explained. “She doesn’t need anything to help her
soundness so will cope well with Hong Kong’s zero tolerance as we have had to
change nothing.
“I have always thought that the one race our Breeders’ Cup meeting is lacking
is a turf sprint, so the Hong Kong race is the one to win,” Rivelli added. “It
is the Sprint Turf Championship and our only opportunity to race for a purse of
this size.”