Haunted Dream Wins Singspiel in North American Debut
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Photo: Michael Burns
Haunted Dream wins the Singspiel Stakes at Woodbine
Haunted Dream , making his North American debut, enjoyed a dream trip on his way to a track-record victory in the $111,295 Singspiel Stakes (G3T) at Woodbine.
Roscar broke sharply from the outside post 6 and was sent to the lead early in the Singspiel, followed by Legal Catch and Dancin in Da'nile , while 7-5 mutuel choice Haunted Dream, with Rafael Hernandez in the irons, was tucked into fourth.
It was Legal Catch on top by a head through a quarter in :24.61, shadowed by Roscar, as Haunted Dream watched the early proceedings from in fourth.
On top by a half-length after a half in :50.05, Legal Catch maintained that advantage through three-quarters in 1:15.52 but was still under consistent pressure from Roscar. Hernandez gave Haunted Dream his cue around the turn for home and the veteran gray responded with an energetic seven-wide move.
Carried out in the stretch making a bid near the eighth pole, the eye-catching 6-year-old struck the front soon after and powered home to a 1 1/2-length score. Tosen Wish , who had burst through a seam in midstretch, secured second, a half-length clear of Dancin in Da'nile. Venencia was fourth.
The final time over firm ground was a track-record 2:15.40 for 1 3/8 miles over Woodbine's inner turf course. Haunted Dream paid $4.80 for the win.
"In post parade, he was full of energy, and I just wanted to make sure he relaxed, you know, and give him a good trip," said Hernandez, who guided Aristella to victory in the $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes earlier on the card. "We had a good trip the whole race. First thing, we saved ground, and then my main thing was to get him clear in the backside. I don't want to get stuck on the rail—just let it roll down the lane."
Trained by Hamad Al Jehani, Haunted Dream is now 9-10-6 from 39 career starts. His most notable wins prior to the Singspiel came when he won consecutive editions, 2023-24, of the Al Safliya Cup, a local group 3 in Qatar.
"We made a bit of a plan to travel and bring him here," said assistant trainer Thomas Allen. "Rafael gave him a very uncomplicated ride. And as he said, just kept it simple and gave him plenty of room.
"It's been a fantastic experience for all of us to come out here. Facilities are great. Everyone's been very welcoming."
Sired by Oasis Dream out of the Galileo mare Red Halo, the well-traveled gelding, bred by High Rollers, is owned by Wathnan Racing.
"He's a true yard favorite for everyone," Allen said. "Everyone loves him. He's so unique."