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Always Dreaming
Always Dreaming (right) next to rival Classic Empire in the Preakness
SireBodemeister
GrandsireEmpire Maker
DamAbove Perfection
DamsireIn Excess (IRE)
SexColt
FoaledFebruary 25, 2014
DiedDecember 10, 2024 (aged 10)
CountryUnited States
ColourDark bay or brown
BreederSanta Rosa Partners
OwnerMeB Racing, Brooklyn Boyz, Teresa Viola, St. Elias (Vincent Viola), Siena Farm and West Point
TrainerTodd Pletcher
Record11: 4-2-2
Earnings$2,415,860[1]
Major wins
Florida Derby (2017)
American Triple Crown wins:
Kentucky Derby (2017)

Always Dreaming (February 25, 2014 – December 10, 2024) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2017 Kentucky Derby and Florida Derby. He had four wins from eleven starts, and earnings of $2,415,860.

Background

[edit]

Always Dreaming was a dark bay colt who was bred in Kentucky by Santa Rosa Partners (Gerry Dilger and Mike Ryan).[2] He was from the first crop of foals sired by Bodemeister, the runner-up in both the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The dam of Always Dreaming, Above Perfection, was an exceptional sprinter who won the Las Flores Handicap in 2002. Above Perfection's earlier foals include Grade I winner Hot Dixie Chick. Although both Bodemeister and Above Perfection were known for their speed, there are multiple stamina influences further back in the pedigree.[3][4]

Always Dreaming was sold at the Keeneland September 2015 Yearling Sale for $350,000. He was bought by Anthony Bonomo's Brooklyn Boyz Stables and his wife Mary Ellen's MeB Stables. "My son (Anthony Jr.) was doing the bidding. I was working. I gave him the budget and thank God he went over it," said Bonomo. "I could tell you that two years ago, on the day we bought the horse, I was really upset. You flash forward two years and I can't kiss him enough. He has a keen eye."[5]

In the summer of 2016, Bonomo and Vincent Viola, both long-time racing fans from Brooklyn, decided to join forces, a move that affected the ownership of Always Dreaming. Viola owns St. Elias Stable and his wife is the owner of Teresa Viola Racing Stable. "I'm a couple of years older (than Bonomo), but we played baseball together and, you know each other from the neighborhood," said Viola before the 2017 Kentucky Derby. "When I got back into the Thoroughbreds, I called Anthony. We were doing the same thing separately, so we decided to do it together, and that's exactly what you see here."[6]

In early 2017, the Bonomos and Violas sold a minority interest in Always Dreaming to West Point Thoroughbreds and Siena Farm.[7]

Originally trained by Dominick Schettino, Always Dreaming was transferred to the barn of Todd Pletcher in September 2016.[8]

Always Dreaming died from colic on December 10, 2024, at the age of 10.[9]

Racing career

[edit]

2016: two-year-old season

[edit]

Always Dreaming raced twice at age two, finishing third in his debut on July 1, 2016, at Belmont Park and second in his next start at Saratoga on August 20.[1]

In September, Always Dreaming was transferred to the barn of Todd Pletcher, who decided the colt would benefit from some time off. When Always Dreaming returned to training, Pletcher could see an improvement. "We could see right away," he said, "as soon as we were breezing him, that he had extra special talent."[8]

2017: three-year-old season

[edit]

Always Dreaming made his three-year-old debut on January 25, 2017, at Tampa Bay Downs as the 1:5 favorite in a maiden special weight race. Pletcher chose the race from among several other maiden races being run on that date based on the distance of 1+1⁄16 miles, feeling 7 furlongs was too short for the colt but 1+1⁄8 miles would be too long after such a long layoff. Pletcher also felt lucky to secure the services of jockey John Velazquez, with whom he had a long-term association, for the ride. Always Dreaming raced just off the early pace then drew away from the field to win by 11+1⁄2 lengths.[10]

His next start was on March 4 in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Gulfstream Park over a distance of 1+1⁄8 miles. Pletcher chose this race rather than the Fountain of Youth Stakes held on the same day as part of a plan to keep the colt from peaking too early in the Derby prep season.[10] Starting at odds of 1:10, Always Dreaming set an "almost unbelievably slow pace", then pulled away to win by four lengths.[1][4]

The lightly raced colt then stepped up to face Grade I company in the Florida Derby on April 1 at Gulfstream. He was the second betting choice at nearly 3:1 behind Kentucky Derby hopeful Gunnevera. Always Dreaming vied for the early lead with Three Rules and State of Honor, then settled into second place down the backstretch. Rounding into the stretch, Always Dreaming kicked away from the rest of the field and won by 5 lengths. His time for the distance of 1+1⁄8 miles was 1:47.47.[1][4]

Kentucky Derby

[edit]

The Florida Derby win made Always Dreaming one of the leading contenders for the 2017 Kentucky Derby. He shipped to Churchill Downs to train for the race, but attracted concern by his headstrong behavior in his morning workouts. Pletcher changed his exercise rider and added draw reins in an attempt to get the horse to settle. After the second workout with the new equipment, Always Dreaming learned to stop fighting his rider. "The horse is moving fantastic. We want to be able to control that energy and I think we've made big strides in doing that overnight," said Pletcher. "I would much rather be in this position than to come in with a horse not feeling good or hanging his head."[11]

The finish of the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

The 2017 Kentucky Derby was held on May 6 at Churchill Downs over a track that was officially labelled as wet fast.[12] After drawing post position five in a full field of 20 horses, Always Dreaming was made the 5:1 second choice on the morning line by track handicapper Mike Battaglia.[13] When wagering opened, his odds shortened slightly to 9:2, making him the post-time favorite. Always Dreaming broke well and settled just behind the early leader State of Honor with good position on the rail. After half a mile, jockey John R. Velazquez moved him to the outside of State of Honor and the two raced together into the far turn. When other horses then started to challenge for the lead, Always Dreaming quickly responded by drawing away and opening a lead of several lengths in the stretch. Longshot Lookin At Lee made a late run to finish second, but Always Dreaming was never threatened, winning by 2+3⁄4 lengths. His time was 2:03.59 for the distance of 1+1⁄4 miles.[14] After the race, Velazquez said, "I got a good position with him early and then he relaxed. When we hit the quarter pole, I asked him and he responded. He did it himself from there."[15]

Always Dreaming became the first horse in 84 years (since Brokers Tip in 1933) to win the Derby having not won a race as a two-year-old; it was late January at age three when he won his first race.[16] Pletcher and Velazquez had worked together many times, and this was the first Kentucky Derby they won together. Velazquez said, "This is the best horse Todd and I have ever come to the Kentucky Derby with. Being behind me for 24 years together, a long time for him to still trust in me and give me the opportunity, it's not very often it happens in this business."[15]

After the race, Mary Ellen Bonomo explained the horse's name. "I just always daydreamed," she said. "And I said, 'Why don’t we just name it Dreaming?' Everybody dreams of something, whether it's a big event or special day, the birth of their child, winning the Kentucky Derby... When this horse has its first baby, we will name it Keep On Dreaming."[17]

Remainder of 2017 season

[edit]

Always Dreaming came out of the Derby in good condition and made his next start in the 2017 Preakness Stakes on May 20, with hopes of winning the second jewel of the Triple Crown.[18] In the Preakness, he led from the outset, challenged by Derby rival Classic Empire with Cloud Computing stalking the leading pair. On the final turn, Classic Empire moved to the front and appeared set up to win until Cloud Computing swung wide, brushing Always Dreaming, and in a stretch run, defeated Classic Empire by a head. Always Dreaming tired, ultimately finishing 8th.[19]

The connections of Always Dreaming elected to bypass the 2017 Belmont Stakes in June to give the colt time to recover for the remainder of the racing season.[20] On July 29, he returned in the Jim Dandy Stakes, where he finished third after setting the early pace. On August 26, he finished ninth in the Travers Stakes after pressing the early pace set by the winner West Coast.[1][21]

Following the race, Always Dreaming was found to be suffering from stomach ulcers and was turned out at WinStar Farm to recuperate.[22]

2018: four-year-old season

[edit]

Always Dreaming made two starts in 2018, finishing second in the Gulfstream Park Hardacre Mile and fifth in the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs. His retirement was announced by Elliott Walden on September 5, 2018.[23]

Stud career

[edit]

Always Dreaming remained at WinStar Farm where he stood for the 2019 breeding season for a stud fee of $25,000.[23]

In 2023 his son Saudi Crown won the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby for his first major success. In 2023 Always Dreaming was standing for $10,000.[24]

On 10 December 2024, Always Dreaming died at River Oaks Farm in Oklahoma, from colic-related complications.[25]

Notable progeny

[edit]

c = colt, f = filly, g = gelding

Foaled Name Sex Major Wins
2020 Saudi Crown c Pennsylvania Derby (2023)

Notes:

Pedigree

[edit]
Pedigree of Always Dreaming, dark bay or brown colt, February 25, 2014[26]
Sire
Bodemeister
2009 		Empire Maker
2000 		Unbridled Fappiano
Gana Facil
Toussaud El Gran Senor
Image of Reality
Untouched Talent
2004 		Storm Cat Storm Bird
Terlingua
Parade Queen A.P. Indy
Spanish Parade
Dam
Above Perfection
1998 		In Excess (IRE)
1987 		Siberian Express Caro (IRE)
Indian Call
Kantado Saulingo (GB)
Vi
Something Perfect
1980 		Somethingfabulous Northern Dancer
Somethingroyal
Happening Terrang
Lazy Mary†

Always Dreaming is inbred 5 × 5 × 4 to Northern Dancer, meaning Northern Dancer appears twice in the fifth generation of his pedigree (as the sire of both El Gran Senor and Storm Bird) and once in the fourth generation.

† Lazy Mary's third dam is Pin Up Girl,[27] from family 4-p.[28]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Always Dreaming

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Always Dreaming (February 25, 2014 – December 10, 2024) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1), capping a four-race winning streak that included the Florida Derby (G1). Foaled in Kentucky and bred by Santa Rosa Partners, Always Dreaming was sired by Bodemeister out of the In Excess (IRE) mare Above Perfection, a graded stakes-winning sprinter. As a yearling, he was purchased for $350,000 by Brooklyn Boyz Stables at the 2015 Keeneland September sale, with the name inspired by co-owner Mary Ellen Bonomo's tendency to daydream. Ownership later expanded to include Teresa Viola Racing Stables, Siena Farm LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds, MeB Racing Stables LLC, and St. Elias Stables LLC. Trained by Hall of Famer and ridden by jockey in his major races, Always Dreaming broke his maiden in his second start in October 2016 at before a brief layoff. In 2017, as a three-year-old, he launched an impressive campaign with victories in allowance company at , the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Derby, the —where he earned a career-best 102 —and finally the on a sloppy track at , prevailing by 2½ lengths as the 9-2 favorite. His Derby triumph marked Pletcher's second win in the Run for the Roses and Velazquez's second. Over his career from 2016 to 2018, Always Dreaming made 11 starts, securing four wins, two seconds, and two thirds for earnings of $2,415,860. After the Derby, he finished second in the (G1) but struggled in subsequent outings, including a poor showing in the Haskell Invitational (G1). He retired in late 2018 and entered stud in 2019 at in , shuttling to before relocating to River Oaks Farm in following the 2024 breeding season. As a , Always Dreaming produced five crops, with four reaching racing age by 2025; his progeny included one graded stakes winner in Saudi Crown (2023 Pennsylvania Derby [G1]), five black-type winners, and four black-type placers such as Tocayo, , Brittany's Dream, and Grand Isle. His 2025 stud fee was set at $2,500 for the first 40 mares. Always Dreaming died at age 10 from complications of at River Oaks Farm after four days of treatment at Oakridge Equine Hospital, where his burst despite initial improvement; no was attempted.

Background

Breeding and Early Life

Always Dreaming was foaled on February 25, 2014, in by breeders Santa Rosa Partners, a partnership consisting of Gerry Dilger and Mike Ryan. The colt was sired by Bodemeister, a first-crop stallion from the line noted for imparting speed and classic potential, out of the mare Above Perfection, a Grade 3-winning sprinter by In Excess (IRE) who had previously produced a Grade 1 winner. The breeding decision emphasized a balance of precocity from the dam's sprinting influence and stamina from the sire's pedigree, with no in the first five generations and Ryan's confidence in Bodemeister's physique and stallion quality, bolstered by his ownership share in the horse. A dark colt, Always Dreaming exhibited strong conformation from birth, featuring size, scope, strength, and balanced proportions in shoulder, length, hip, and legs, which farm assessments identified as indicative of an athletic build suited to middle distances. He stood out among peers for his quality and caught the eye during early evaluations at the farm. As a yearling, Always Dreaming was consigned by Dromoland Farm, agent, and purchased for $350,000 during the 2015 September Sale by Steven W. Young, agent, on behalf of a including Brooklyn Boyz Stables.

Ownership and Training

Always Dreaming was acquired as a yearling at the 2015 September sale for $350,000 by a partnership led by Boyz Stables ( Bonomo) and MeB Racing Stables (Mary Ellen Bonomo), along with St. Elias Stable () and Teresa Viola Racing Stables. Following the colt's victory in an allowance race at on March 4, 2017, the original owners sold a to West Point Thoroughbreds and Farm, expanding the ownership group to include these partners for subsequent campaigns. Originally trained by Dominick Schettino for his debut, Always Dreaming was switched to Hall of Fame trainer Todd A. Pletcher, whose approach to developing speed-oriented colts like Always Dreaming emphasized controlled progression to harness their natural precocity while minimizing injury risk. Daily operations at Pletcher's barns were managed by a team of assistants, with the colt's early development occurring at the trainer's Palm Meadows Training Center in , a key facility for winter preparation. Jockey assignments favored John R. Velazquez, who rode Always Dreaming in 10 of his 11 starts, including all major races, selected for his deep experience in high-stakes events and long-standing collaboration with Pletcher, having secured multiple Triple Crown victories together. Prior to his racing debut, Always Dreaming underwent breaking and foundational training at Palm Meadows, with an emphasis on gate schooling and progressive breezes to establish a solid base for his front-running style. This regimen allowed the colt to debut as a late two-year-old in July 2016, building toward his three-year-old breakthrough.

Racing Career

2016: Two-Year-Old Season

Always Dreaming began his racing career under trainer Dominick Schettino, making his debut on July 1, 2016, at in a 5½-furlong maiden special weight race on dirt. Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., the colt finished third of seven runners, beaten by 3¾ lengths after a troubled trip that included early interference, while earning a of 74. This performance earned him $8,400 toward his career total of $24,100 for the year. Five weeks later, Always Dreaming returned on August 20, 2016, at in a 6-furlong maiden special weight race, where he finished a neck second under jockey Joe Bravo in a field of nine. Closing strongly from off the pace, he posted a career-best of 109 and collected $15,700 in purse money. The effort highlighted his potential as a promising East Coast juvenile, though he remained off the radar of major two-year-old hype entering the winter. Following the Saratoga race, Always Dreaming encountered a minor setback that required a five-month layoff. In September 2016, he was transferred to trainer , who prioritized a cautious development plan to preserve the colt for a targeted three-year-old campaign on the road to the classics.

2017: Three-Year-Old Season

Always Dreaming began his three-year-old campaign by breaking his maiden on January 25, 2017, at Downs in a 1-mile, 40-yard maiden special weight race. Ridden by Paco Lopez for trainer , he won by 11½ lengths in a time of 1:37.82, earning a of 102 and $30,000. Building on that momentum, he made his next start on March 4, 2017, at , where he won a 1⅛-mile allowance optional by four lengths under John Velazquez. Three weeks later, on April 1, Always Dreaming contested the $1 million (G1) at over 1⅛ miles. Sent off at 5-2 odds, he went wire-to-wire, drawing clear to win by five lengths in a time of 1:47.47, earning $600,000 for his connections and securing 100 qualifying points for the . This performance marked his third consecutive victory, earned a 97 , and established him as a leading contender for the classics. In the 143rd (G1) on May 6 at , Always Dreaming started from post position 5 as the 9-2 post-time favorite in a field of 20. Ridden again by , he pressed the pace before surging to a 2¾-length over Lookin at Lee, completing the 1¼ miles in 2:03.59 and earning $1.86 million. The win, which overcame the morning-line favorite Classic Empire (finished fourth at 7-1 odds), was Pletcher's second Kentucky Derby success and Velazquez's third. It earned a career-best 102 . Always Dreaming entered the (G1) on May 20 at as the 6-5 favorite, seeking to extend his winning streak to five. Over 1³⁄₁₆ miles, he set a fast early pace but faded late to finish eighth in the 10-horse field, beaten 10½ lengths by winner . Due to the taxing effort and need for recovery, connections opted to skip the . Always Dreaming returned on July 29 in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at over 1⅛ miles. Ridden by , he finished third, beaten 3½ lengths by winner , earning $60,000 and a 99 . In his next outing, on August 26, Always Dreaming contested the (G1) at Saratoga over 1¼ miles, where he finished ninth of 12, beaten 21½ lengths by winner West Coast. A subsequent veterinary exam revealed stomach ulcers, leading to treatment and a lengthy layoff. For the year, Always Dreaming amassed $2,184,300 in earnings from his seven starts, culminating in strong consideration for the as champion three-year-old male, though he ultimately finished second in voting behind West Coast.

2018: Four-Year-Old Season

Following a seven-month layoff after treatment for stomach ulcers that derailed his 2017 campaign, Always Dreaming returned to racing as a 4-year-old under trainer . He made his seasonal debut on March 31 in the $300,000 Hardacre Mile Stakes (G2) at , covering one mile on dirt with jockey . Always Dreaming pressed the pace early but rallied late to finish second by a to , earning $57,000 in the process; Pletcher noted the horse had trained lightly leading up to the race and appeared rusty but promising. He earned a 105 . Always Dreaming's second and final start of the year came on in the $400,000 Alysheba Stakes (G2) at , returning to the site of his victory over 1 1/16 miles on dirt with aboard. He broke alertly from the rail but faded in the stretch to finish fifth, beaten nine lengths by winner Backyard Heaven, in a performance that highlighted his ongoing struggle to recapture top form amid the lingering effects of his treatment. Pletcher indicated afterward that the horse would receive rest, but Always Dreaming did not record another workout, signaling the end of his racing efforts. On September 5, 2018, connections announced Always Dreaming's retirement from racing, citing his inability to regain competitive edge following the issues that had compromised his soundness and performance. The colt concluded his career with four wins, two seconds, and two thirds from 11 starts, amassing $2,415,860 in earnings. He transitioned immediately to stud duty at in , where he was set to stand his first season in 2019 for a fee of $25,000, fulfilling a pre-arranged breeding rights agreement with the farm.

Breeding Career

Standing at WinStar Farm

Following his retirement from racing in September 2018, Always Dreaming was syndicated and entered stud at in , with original owners including West Point Thoroughbreds retaining a in his breeding career. The arrangement allowed to secure his breeding rights while preserving stakes for his racing syndicate partners, positioning him as a promising young stallion from the first crop of Bodemeister. His initial season in 2019 commanded a stud fee of $25,000, reflecting optimism around his Grade 1-winning pedigree and performance. Always Dreaming's first crop resulted from 2019 breedings, with foals born starting in early 2020, including his debut reported foal—a —arriving on January 6 at a farm. He covered 165 mares that inaugural year, exceeding expectations for a newcomer, and maintained a full book in subsequent seasons, averaging 100-150 mares annually through his first three years at WinStar. The stud fee held steady at $25,000 for 2020 before gradual adjustments began amid the evaluation of early progeny results. By 2021, it decreased to $17,500, then to $12,500 in 2022, and further to $10,000 in 2023, as breeders monitored the modest initial impact of his offspring on the racetrack. The first crop of Always Dreaming, racing as 2-year-olds in 2022, produced its initial winners that year, with Mardukas becoming his debut victor in a maiden special weight at in June. The group showed promise without producing breakout stars right away, instead yielding several stakes performers, including graded stakes placings, which helped sustain interest in his lines despite the fee reductions. This early output underscored his potential as a consistent rather than explosive sire during his WinStar tenure from 2019 to 2024.

Relocation to Oklahoma

In August 2024, Always Dreaming was sold via private treaty to undisclosed interests and relocated from in to River Oaks Farm near , where he was set to stand for the 2025 breeding season at a reduced of $2,500 live . His final breeding season at WinStar in 2024 featured a book of 9 mares. By 2025, Always Dreaming's progeny had amassed over $11 million in earnings, highlighted by the breakthrough success of Saudi Crown, a 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner who finished third in the 2024 (G1). Other notable performers included stakes winner Sultana, who won the Grade 3 Stakes in November 2025, and multiple-race winner She's Cool, underscoring his growing impact as a despite earlier modest results.

Death

Always Dreaming died on December 10, 2024, at River Oaks Farm in , from complications of that resulted in a burst . The 10-year-old stallion had shown signs of discomfort the previous Thursday and received treatment for at Oakridge Equine on Monday, December 9, but his condition worsened overnight, leading to early the following morning. Connections noted that he had been dealing with a recent bout of prior to the fatal episode. The incident occurred shortly after Always Dreaming's relocation to River Oaks Farm in September 2024, following the conclusion of the breeding season at his previous base, in . , a severe often caused by digestive blockages or twists in the intestines, is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in , particularly stallions under stress from changes in environment or routine. Tributes from racing connections emphasized Always Dreaming's lasting impact as the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner. Elliott Walden, CEO of , described the loss as profound, stating, "He was a cool . His absence will be felt by everybody who ever dealt with him." Bloodstock agent Chad Schumer, who helped assemble the ownership syndicate, recounted the rapid deterioration, noting that the had appeared to recover before the burst.

Pedigree

Paternal Line

Always Dreaming was sired by Bodemeister, a colt foaled in 2009 and bred in by Audley Farm Equine LLC out of the Untouched Talent (by ). Bodemeister, trained by , achieved prominence as a three-year-old in 2012, finishing second in both the and while securing victories in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and earlier preps like the Remington Springboard Mile. As a sire, Bodemeister stands within the influential branch of the male line, a lineage renowned for producing versatile Thoroughbreds capable of excelling at classic distances on dirt surfaces. Bodemeister's sire, , a 2000 foal by out of the mare Toussaud, brought significant stamina influences to the pedigree through his own racing career and progeny. , bred by Prince Khalid Abdullah and trained by Barclay Tagg, won the 2003 (G1) by three lengths over favorites like , demonstrating classic endurance at 1 1/2 miles, and also captured the Wood Memorial (G1) earlier that year. This Belmont success underscored his aptitude for staying power, a trait passed to sons like Bodemeister and later to 's other offspring, including Belmont winner Drosselmeyer and leading sire Pioneerof the Nile, enhancing early maturity and strong dirt performance in descendants such as Always Dreaming. Further back, the paternal line traces through (1987 by Fappiano) to (1970 by ), with multiple paths to the foundational sire (1961 by Nearctic) providing genetic depth for international adaptability. appears 5x5x4 in Always Dreaming's pedigree: via Unbridled's dam Gana Facil (by son Le Fabuleux) and Toussaud's sire El Gran Senor (by ), as well as deeper influences through Fappiano's dam Killaloe (by ). This repeated infusion of 's blood has historically contributed to the line's versatility, enabling offspring to succeed across global racing jurisdictions while maintaining speed and classic potential rooted in the dynasty.

Maternal Line

Above Perfection, the dam of Always Dreaming, was a dark bay mare foaled on March 8, 1998, in . Sired by the Irish-bred In Excess out of the Somethingfabulous mare Something Perfect, she excelled as a sprinter, winning seven of ten starts, including the Grade 3 Las Flores Handicap at six furlongs in 2002, and second in the Grade 1 Prioress Stakes. Her racing career showcased the quick acceleration typical of her pedigree, contributing to the family's reputation for precocity on dirt. In Excess (1987–2011), Above Perfection's , was an Irish import who became a cornerstone of breeding, leading the state's general sire list in 2002 and 2003 with progeny earnings exceeding those of rivals. Known for imparting explosive early speed and soundness—traits evident in stakes winners like Musical Chimes (Grade 1 Vanity Handicap) and Snow Ridge (Grade 1 Carter Handicap)—In Excess sired 49 stakes winners from 664 winners overall, emphasizing burst speed over extended distances while enhancing durability on fast tracks. This influence balanced Always Dreaming's inheritance, providing the sprint-oriented foundation from the maternal side to complement his paternal stamina. As a broodmare, Above Perfection produced at least 12 foals, resulting in eight winners, including three graded stakes winners that underscored the line's dirt sprinting prowess. Notable offspring include Always Dreaming (2014 foal by Bodemeister), winner of the (Grade 1); Hot Dixie Chick (2005 foal by Dixie Union), winner of the 2007 Spinaway Stakes (Grade 1) and Schuylerville Stakes (Grade 3); and Positive Spirit (2016 foal by Pioneerof the Nile), victor of the 2018 Demoiselle Stakes (Grade 2). Other foals further reinforced the family's aptitude for quick starts and competitive edge in shorter routes.

References

  1. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/281625/2017-ky-derby-winner-always-dreaming-dies-at-age-10
  2. https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&registry=T&refno=9662832
  3. https://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Always_Dreaming_1
  4. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/always-dreaming/2014
  5. https://heavy.com/sports/2017/05/always-dreaming-horse-pedigree-owners-name-meaning-cost-price-earnings-profile-wins/
  6. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/2017-kentucky-derby-winner-always-dreaming-dies-of-colic/
  7. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221115/sharp-horsemen-bred-derby-contender-always-dreaming
  8. https://paulickreport.com/nl-art-1/kentucky-derby-winner-always-dreaming-retired-to-winstar-farm
  9. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221660/in-excess-connected-to-past-two-kentucky-derby-winners
  10. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/220806/always-dreaming-a-hit-for-bodemeister
  11. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred-sales/results/2015/8261/keeneland-2015-september-yearling-sale
  12. https://www.winstarfarm.com/kentucky-derby-winner-always-dreaming-to-stand-at-winstar-upon-retirement/
  13. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/always-dreaming-retires-to-winstar/
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/07/sports/always-dreaming-brooklyn-kentucky-derby-viola-bonomo.html
  15. https://www.westpointtb.com/west-point-purchases-minority-interest-in-always-dreaming/
  16. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221483/connections-plan-comes-together-with-always-dreaming
  17. https://paulickreport.com/news/always-dreaming-training-lights-2018-debut
  18. https://www.skysports.com/racing/form-profiles/horse/933111/always-dreaming-usa
  19. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221111/always-dreaming-pleases-pletcher-in-florida-move
  20. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/220755/always-dreaming-runs-away-with-florida-derby
  21. https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/always-dreaming-makes-case-for-kentucky-derby-favoritism/
  22. https://www.offtrackbetting.com/horse-racing-results/gulfstream-park/2017-florida-derby.html
  23. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221464/always-dreaming-true-in-kentucky-derby-win
  24. https://www.fanduel.com/research/todd-pletcher-2025-kentucky-derby-trainer-profile
  25. https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/19426608/cloud-computing-wins-142nd-preakness-stakes-pimlico
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/sports/horse-racing/Cloud-computing-wins-preakness-stakes-always-dreaming.html
  27. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/229405/always-dreaming-retired-to-winstar-farm
  28. https://www.drf.com/news/2017-eclipse-awards-winners
  29. https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/always-dreaming-2017-kentucky-derby-winner-retired/
  30. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/227276/always-dreaming-returns-to-churchill-for-alysheba
  31. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/227374/backyard-heaven-takes-down-always-dreaming-in-alysheba
  32. https://paulickreport.com/nl-list/backyard-heaven-kicks-clear-in-alysheba-always-dreaming-fifth
  33. https://www.winstarfarm.com/winstar-farm-sets-2019-stud-fees/
  34. https://www.westpointtb.com/notablehorses/always-dreaming/
  35. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/237789/first-foal-for-always-dreaming-is-a-filly
  36. https://www.winstarfarm.com/dreams-delivered-a-sharp-new-winner-for-always-dreaming/
  37. https://www.winstarfarm.com/winstar-farm-sets-2020-stud-fees/
  38. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/254189/winstar-farm-announces-2022-fees-for-18-stallion-roster
  39. https://www.winstarfarm.com/winstar-farm-announces-2023-stallion-roster-and-fees/
  40. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/259900/mardukas-the-first-winner-for-always-dreaming
  41. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/264384/grand-isle-first-stakes-winner-for-always-dreaming
  42. https://www.truenicks.com/articles/272145/saudi-crown-always-dreaming-both-first-crop-successes
  43. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/278587/ky-derby-winner-always-dreaming-to-stand-at-river-oaks
  44. https://paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/kentucky-derby-winner-always-dreaming-sold-to-stand-at-river-oaks-farm-in-oklahoma
  45. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/kentucky-derny-winner-always-dreaming-to-stand-at-river-oaks-farm-in-oklahoma/
  46. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/horses/card/9662832
  47. https://www.equineline.com/extendedcontent/bh.cfm?StallionRef=9662832&rtype=stats
  48. https://www.winstarfarm.com/saudi-crown-takes-1m-pennsylvania-derby-g1-to-give-always-dreaming-first-grade-1-winner/
  49. https://www.forbes.com/sites/guymartin/2024/02/25/saudi-cup-results-senor-buscador-executes-a-10-million-upset-ushba-tesoro-places-saudi-crown-shows/
  50. https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9662832&registry=T&rbt=TB
  51. https://woodbine.com/woodbine-news/raisin-her-game-sultana-scores-in-grade-3-maple-leaf/
  52. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/bodemeister/2009
  53. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/pedigree-insights-always-dreaming/
  54. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/197173/empire-maker-coming-home-to-kentucky
  55. https://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/always-dreaming.html
  56. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/an-empire-that-will-survive-its-makers-loss/
  57. https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=4468656&registry=T&rbt=TB
  58. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/horses/card/4468656
  59. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/231006/positive-spirit-full-of-potential-for-above-perfection
  60. https://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/in-excess-ire.html
  61. https://paulickreport.com/nl-art-1/2-6-million-into-mischief-colt-tops-reinvigorated-fasig-tipton-saratoga-sale
  62. https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/introducing-the-first-crop-sires-series-2022/
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