Cashier's Dream flies on cruise control

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Cashier's Dream, a Michigan-bred who launched her career racing under a $50,000 claiming tag, added her name to a list of Spinaway Stakes winners that includes champions Ruffian, Affectionately, Top Flight, and Numbered Account with an easy six-length victory over Smok'n Frolic in the Grade 1 dash for 2-year-old fillies at Saratoga on Friday.

For Cashier's Dream, her victory in the $200,000 Spinaway was her fourth in five career starts and came just 18 days after she suffered her lone setback when outgamed by You in the Grade 2 Adirondack Stakes.

Cashier's Dream ($2.60) set a rapid early pace in the seven-furlong Spinaway of 21.89 seconds and 44.96 while well in hand under jockey Donnie Meche. She readily discouraged early pursuers Win's Fair Lady and Al Max Diner entering the stretch, easily turned back a mild challenge from Smok'n Frolic when shaken up briefly by Meche nearing the furlong marker, and maintained a safe advantage while under only mild encouragement through late stretch.

Smok'n Frolic was easily second, finishing five lengths before Magic Storm.

Cashier's Dream, purchased privately by the Heiligbrodt Racing Stable and Team Valor following her second start, was timed in 1:23.47, the second fastest since the Spinaway was extended to seven furlongs in 1994.

"I'm very proud of her," said trainer Steve Asmussen. "I thought she ran a very good race coming off a tough defeat in the Adirondack. That should get the memories of the loss out of her head and make her think she's king of the world again in her own mind."

Barry Irwin, president of Team Valor, said Cashier's Dream is not Breeders' Cup eligible. He added that her next start might be in the Frizette Stakes at Belmont on Oct. 6, after which a decision would be made whether to supplement her to the Breeders' Cup Fillies at a cost of $90,000.

- additional reporting by David Grening