‘Won’t be wasted’: Stradbroke slot holders Australian Bloodstock open for business after Dream Hour’s golden ticket

Stradbroke Handicap slot holders Australian Bloodstock say they would love to race Dream Hour in the $3m Group 1 next winter but won’t hesitate to sell it off in the right circumstances.

Dream Hour secured a slot in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap for next year by winning The Gateway on Saturday. Picture: Natasha Wood / Trackside. Photography

Australian Bloodstock boss Jamie Lovett has declared they are open for business when it comes to their golden ticket into the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap following Dream Hour’s win in The Gateway at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The four-year-old was the first horse to qualify for the $3m Stradbroke next year, however Lovett says they won’t hesitate to trade it away if the right opportunity presents itself.

Under a dramatic revamp of the rules, connections of the winning Gateway horse are given a slot in the Stradbroke, allowing them to race their horse, or sell off to another inside the top 40 in the ballot come final acceptances in a private deal.

“I like money more than trophies, so we are open to a commercial arrangement if it comes to it,” Lovett laughed.

“Depending on what type of year it is, he could be dangerous down in the weights, but at the same time, we won’t be wasting it if he’s not going any good.

“We’re in a fortunate position now in that if we don’t have any suitable horses, I am sure someone we know is trying to get one in.

“How often do you see it in the Straddie? A horse trying to win from just outside the field, it’s like the Doncaster.

“I really like the concept.”

WOW! ULTRA IMPRESSIVE.

What a breathtaking display by Dream Hour in the Gateway! @[e-mail]/NU65vDsYYb

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) December 9, 2023

• Gateway victory completes big day for Kris Lees

Dream Hour has been a work in progress for Kris Lees, with Saturday’s breakthrough win a labour of love for the Newcastle-based trainer.

“I have always had a good opinion of him, it’s easy after the race but we have gone to the wall with him, backing him a few times and been disappointed,” Lovett said.

“We had a good collect on Saturday at the price.

“Fred (Lees) said a few times he had a race like that in him but we were starting to get a little bit worried, he works so good but wasn’t taking it to the races.

“We’re hoping Fred has found the key to him, maybe mad fresh seven furlongs might be his go.”

Dream Hour’s trainer Kris Lees. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

With upwards of 150 horses on their books, Lovett said they would be keen to look at their own stock for the race before considering others.

“If we had a horse that we thought was better than him, obviously it would be different ownerships and that, but we won’t be wasting it and we would weigh it up,” he said.

“It’s a $3m Stradbroke now so it’s great for our guys.

“Our numbers have grown in the last 12 months, there are 17 horses leaving quarantine at Werribee from the UK, another 10 or so since we last did a stocktake, we did cull a few as well.

“It has been a really good year for participation and engagement with owners on the back of 2022 with Gold Trip.”