Dream Marie rallies from far back in the slop to win Obeah under Bravo
Dream Marie gave trainer Matthew Williams his first career stakes victory when the 4-year-old daughter of Graydar rallied from last to win Wednesday's $100,000 Obeah at 1 1/16 miles over a sloppy and sealed Delaware Park main track.
Owned by the Williams family's Miracle's International Training, Dream Marie was dismissed as the 8-1 fifth choice in the field of seven fillies and mares. She paid $19.40 to win.
There was a fast pace on display in the Obeah as rank outsider Shyza set fractions of 23.07 and 47.20 while pressured by race favorite Bajan Girl and Miss Marissa. Shyza backed out first and Miss Marissa traveled better than Bajan Girl as the field turned for home.
Meanwhile jockey Joe Bravo had Dream Marie outside, and on the move to loom a stalking presence on the second turn. They drove past Miss Marissa and Bajan Girl in midstretch and completed the distance in 1:44.40 seconds while 1 3/4 lengths better than Miss Marissa.
Market Rumor, handled patiently near the rear of the field, rallied widest for third, two lengths behind the runner-up. Bajan Girl, Graceful Princess, Artful Splatter, and Shyza rounded out the order of finish. Crystal Ball, Promised Storm, Jilted Bride, Trolley Ride, Sweet Sami D, Queen Nekia, and Lucky Stride all scratched.
The Obeah was Dream Marie's second trip to Delaware Park. Based at Gulfstream Park, she finished second in last summer's Grade 3 Delaware Oaks behind Project Whiskey. She also placed in two other graded races in 2020, including the Grade 2 Davona Dale.
Graceful Princess, a daughter of Tapit and Horse of the Year Havre de Grace, saved ground behind the leaders and didn’t appear to handle the wet track.
The first four finishers in the Obeah automatically earned a free nomination to the meet's signature race, the Grade 2, $400,000 Delaware Handicap on July 10.