Dream Deal

Dream Deal performs noticeably better on normal ground than he does in the mud. On standard conditions, he has won 3 of his 16 races there—a 19% win rate—compared to just 1 win from 26 attempts on wetter or firmer surfaces. This is the kind of preference that a trainer learns to respect, and it explains why Tim Easterby's Great Habton yard might still be running him. Easterby's operation has had an exceptionally strong season, sending out 128 winners, and the infrastructure of that successful yard could yet help Dream Deal find more opportunities suited to his needs.

His recent form tells a less encouraging story. Over his last six races, Dream Deal has managed just a single fourth place at Kempton and five placings—he is closing races without winning them. Ridden primarily by Jack Garritty, the pair have struck just once from 17 attempts together, a partnership that has not quite clicked. At his most comfortable level—Class 6 racing—Dream Deal has won 3 of 20, but lately he has not been able to convert those closing runs into victories. He remains a horse with something to offer on the right day, the right ground, and perhaps the right jockey, but the wins are not coming as freely as they once did.