Dream Ahead impresses in Middle Park

Dream Ahead looked a top-class colt with a superb victory in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

The David Simcock-trained juvenile fairly blasted up the hill after taking the lead.

The 5-4 favourite, ridden by William Buick, went on to win as he liked by nine lengths, despite veering over the stands side.

Strong Suit just hung on for second a short head in front of Approve.

Buick said: "He's an amazing horse. I've been impressed with him ever since I rode him at Nottingham.

"He hung all the way across the track which is indicative of a baby, but he has given me a feel that no horse has ever given me - he swallows them up.

"Bring on next year. He's going to be hard to beat.

"Even when he hit the front and went nine lengths clear of them he'd still got his ears pricked. He will be all right when he keeps straight."

Simcock added: "He's a very exciting horse and it's such a relief. I'm very lucky to have a horse like him.

"When William asked him forward three (furlongs) out he rushed forward. He rode him very confidently. It's great for the owner.

"I'd like to think there's more to come and it's something to look forward to. He won't run on anything with firm in the ground description this year.

"In France it dried out and was definitely good ground. He is certainly better with cut in the ground. He has got a big high action.

"You may see him again this year, I don't know."

Simcock went on: "He's in the Dewhurst, it's an option and we'll certainly discuss it with the owner. I don't really want to take him for two runs in two weeks, but it's there as an option.

"Mentally he has improved, and he has improved with racing. There's no reason he shouldn't do so again."

Sky Bet cut the winner to 6s (from 16s) for the 2000 Guineas. Stan James are 5s from the same price and Coral go 7s.

Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: "Although he relished the ground, Dream Ahead has put down a clear marker for top Classic honours next year leaving the Coventry Stakes winner and a dual Group Two winner trailing in his wake."