Sam Houston: Dreamsandvisions in good spot

Dreamsandvisions returns to the distance of one of his most impressive wins Saturday night, when he takes on multiple stakes winner Leaving on My Mind in the seven-furlong Conroe at Sam Houston Race Park.

The $40,000 Conroe drew seven 3-year-olds.

Dreamsandvisions has raced over the distance once and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 91. The start came in an allowance race at Louisiana Downs on Sept. 4, and he closed from eighth to score a two-length win over Military Major, eventual winner of the $150,000 Oklahoma Derby.

"I really feel seven-eighths, with his closing ability, is a pretty good spot for him," said Steven Duke, who trains Dreamsandvisions.

Dreamsandvisions moved to turf following the seven-furlong win, and rallied to win the $50,000 Wilhite at one mile at Louisiana Downs on Oct. 1. One start later, he stalked the pace and finished third in the $100,000 Star of Texas at 1 1/16 miles at Sam Houston Nov. 19, his last race.

"I thought I had him too fresh," said Duke. "He kind of bolted out of the gate on us, and that's kind of the kiss of death for a closer. We got hung a little wide on the first turn and just couldn't get him to settle. I think he's a little better horse than he ran the last race."

Don Simington will ride Dreamsandvisions. The horse's regular rider, Luis Quinonez, will be in New Mexico on Saturday to ride Real Dandy in the $100,000 Zia Park Derby. Duke said suitable travel arrangements could not be made to get Quinonez to Houston in time for the Conroe.