Sam Houston: Dreamsandvisions rady for stakes

Dreamsandvisions could move into graded stakes company after his big win last Saturday in the $45,000 Spring Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. Trainer Steven Duke said the horse is under serious consideration for the Grade 3, $300,000 Texas Mile at Lone Star Park on April 28. Dreamsandvisions is also being nominated to stakes at Lone Star and Oaklawn Park.

"I'm leaning toward the Texas Mile," said Duke. "I know the Grade 3 is a big step for him, but he'd probably do all right in there.

"I gave him a little time off this winter, and he's really come back strong. I'm really happy with him."

Dreamsandvisions closed from last for a two-length win in the seven-furlong Spring, which was his fifth stakes win. Duke said the horse will also be nominated to the $50,000 Premier Stakes at Lone Star on April 12, as well as the Grade 3, $150,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap and $100,000 Fifth Season, both at Oaklawn in April.

* Amarula, who has won 2 of her last 3 starts by a combined margin of 19 3/4 lengths, will take on comebacking stakes winner Shesabigcat in the featured ninth race Friday night. The $25,000 optional claiming race for fillies and mares will be run over 5 1/2 furlongs. Amarula won at the distance in her last start, when she wired first-level allowance rivals by 7 1/2 lengths. Trainer Mindy Willis has given the mount to Paul Nolan.