Angel of Dreams scrambles the picture

MIAMI - Saturday's $150,000 Jack Price Juvenile at Calder was expected to determine a champion in Florida's 2-year-old division. Instead, the seven-furlong sprint wound up showcasing the talents of Midwest invader Dream of Angels, who registered a game neck decision over Green Vegas, with the 6-5 favorite, Yesbyjimminy, finishing a tiring third.

The Jack Price lost some of its luster at scratch time when the morning-line favorite, Straight Faced, was declared by trainer Steve DiMauro because of a recurring foot problem.

Dream of Angels had shipped to south Florida from his previous base at Remington Park and into the barn of trainer Steve Standridge two weeks ago. A son of Trippi, he had previously been trained by John Locke and came into the Jack Price off back-to-back wins, including the Middleground Breeders' Cup Stakes on July 23 at Lone Star Park.

Dream of Angels broke alertly under regular rider Richard Eramia and stalked the pacesetting Yesbyjimminy through early fractions of 22.51 and 45.70 seconds over the fast track. Dream of Angels eventually forged to a short advantage in early stretch, edged well clear inside the sixteenth marker, and then was fully extended to withstand Green Vegas.

Green Vegas, who was turning back to a sprint after registering impressive victories around two turns in both the Foolish Pleasure and In Reality stakes, raced in mid-pack for the opening half-mile, came four wide rallying into the stretch, and was gradually getting to the winner at the end.

Dream of Angels, who raced coupled with stablemate Dream America as the Pamela Halter-owned entry, paid $10.20 after completing the distance in 1:23.77.

"I can't take any of the credit for this one," said Standridge. "I've only had the horse for a couple of weeks. All the credit goes to John Locke. This is the first horse I've had for the owners, and I was very impressed. He ran a monster race."

Standridge said he expected Dream of Angels to stay with him in south Florida but was unsure when or where he would run next.