The John Zielke-trained Dreams Aplenty seemed to reserve his worst efforts for stakes races since capturing the Group III Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm over a year ago, but the normally reliable son of Dream Ahead (USA) was on the top of his game at the Gold Coast on Saturday in the Listed Gold Coast Cup (1400m).
Taking up his favoured front-running role under Tegan Harrison, Dreams Aplenty battled on bravely to defeat Aqua Vite (Northern Meteor) by a half head with a neck to Charlie Boy (Myboycharlie) in third.
The 4yo gelding has been a wonderful money spinner for the stable with a record of 7 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third from 20 starts with earnings of $387,450.
"I love this horse," Zielke told AAP.
"If you are going to be in a fight he is one you would like on your side.
"He never gives in and he has been like that all his career."
A three-time veteran of the sales ring, Dreams Aplenty was first paraded at the 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he failed to make his $60,000 reserve.
A few months later he was consigned by Millbrook to the National Yearling sale where he was knocked down for $32,000.
His price was still on the decline when purchased by owner Evan Hartley for $26,000 at the 2015 MM Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale. (pictured)
In 2016, Dreams
Aplenty's dam Tipsy Moment (Redoute's Choice) was purchased by James Herron
Bloodstock for $140,000 when carrying a filly by Eurozone who was sold as a weanling
in 2017 for $55,000.
Now in the paddocks at Coolmore Stud, Tipsy Moment has a weanling filly by No Nay Never and was bred back to the son of Scat Daddy again last spring.
Five-time Group 1 winner Dream Ahead (USA) returns to Aquis in the Hunter Valley this year where his fee has been set at $16,500.
