Cup Master: Mark Purdon claims back to back Auckland Cups following the victory of Dream About Me
Another Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit event.
Another All Stars avalanche.
The Gr.1 $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park was the scene of the onslaught which witnessed the unbridled brute strength of a mare destined for much bigger things.
Brilliant four-year-old Dream About Me will draw comparisons with the greats following her crushing victory over Hug The Wind and Ardens Choice.
And rightfully so.
Following her demolition in the 3200m standing start feature, the Bettors Delight mare obliterated the race record by 4 seconds which was previously held by the mighty Chokin.
Dream About Me paced the time of 3:55.4 - a mile rate of 1:58.3.
The speed was there from the start when former winner Christen Me and race favourite Titan Banner engaged in a frantic speed burn with both drivers desperate to rate terms from the front end.
The lead time was posted in a wicked 1:58.5.
Ultimately, it came at a massive expense for both pacers.
Christen Me held the lead from Titan Banner who sat parked while Hug The Wind and Tiger Tara gained perfect trails.
Dream About Me sat in the second half of the field.
The first half of the final mile was covered in 30.6 and 29 seconds.
Working past the bell lap, driver Mark Purdon made his move aboard Dream About Me and quickly raced outside of Christen Me for the remaining 800m.
Passing the quarter marker, Dream About Me sailed past Christen Me in a split of 28.7 seconds.
In the straight, Dream About Me raced clear of her rivals while Hug The Wind and Ardens Choice battled out the minor end of the prize.
Christen Me finished 6th with Titan Banner in 8th placing.
The last mare to win the Auckland Cup was Flight South some sixteen years ago while Kate's First won it three years prior.
Before that, it was the mighty mares Delightful Lady and Armalight during the early 1980's.
Dream About Me did what her former illustrious stablemate Adore Me couldn't do - win the Cup!
"That was an unbelievable effort; she's such a great mare. I won't compare Dream About Me with Adore Me because I don't want to disrespect either of them." Purdon said.
Dream About Me remains unbeaten at Alexandra Park from six starts.
The victory also provided back to back victories in the Auckland Cup for the All Stars stable following the victory of Have Faith In Me last year.
In total, Mark Purdon has been involved in an Auckland Cup winner either as a trainer or driver five times - Sharp And Telford (1996), Young Rufus (2002), Auckland Reactor (2009), Have Faith In Me (2015) and now Dream About Me.
To date this season, the All Stars have won all three legs of the APG Grand Circuit following the success of Lazarus (NZ Cup) and Smolda (Inter Dominion) and now Dream About Me.
The next leg of the APG Grand Circuit takes place on January 13 at Gloucester Park with the running of the $450,000 TABTOUCH WA Pacing Cup.
