Trained by Bob Baffert, Dream Tree has distinguished herself as one of the best
fillies of her generation, counting among her five career wins the 2017 Starlet
(G1) and 2018 Las Virgenes (G2) and Prioress (G2), for earnings of $527,500. "We are really excited about running Dream Tree in the Breeders' Cup," said Tom Ludt, head of U.S. operations for owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds. "She showed her class last month at Saratoga (with her win in the Prioress), coming off a layoff and just accelerating down the lane like she did.
"It is with mixed emotions that we are selling her, but Phoenix has to maintain a focused vision for the fund," Ludt said. "We see her as an exceptional filly worth a lot to a long-term breeder, and we have to consider managing the fund, so we thought it was best to sell her this year."
Dream Tree displayed tremendous heart and athleticism on the race track, winning at distances of 6 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles. She won her career debut at Santa Anita and three weeks later successfully stepped up to stakes company with a victory in the Desi Arnaz Stakes (L) at Del Mar.
In her next three races, all graded stakes, Dream Tree dominated top competition, stalking the pace before taking command and cruising to victory.
She captured the Starlet at Los Alamitos to close her juvenile season, rating just behind the early leader until prompted, then powering away to win by 3¼ lengths under a hand ride.
In February, Dream Tree kicked off her 2018 campaign in the Las Virgenes at Santa Anita, again laying just off rivals before she gained control at the quarter pole and won by 3¾ lengths in a gallop. Following a freshening, Dream Tree returned to the races in the Prioress (G2) on closing weekend at Saratoga. In a testament to her class and brilliance, she overcame a rough start to defeat graded stakes winners by 4¼ lengths.
A 3-year-old filly by Uncle Mo, Dream Tree is out of the Afleet Alex mare Afleet Maggi and from the family of Grade 1 winners Golden Ticket and Well Chosen, and Irish champion Tomahawk.
"Keeneland is pleased to offer Dream Tree, a beautiful filly with exceptional talent who successfully competed at the elite level," Keeneland Vice President of Racing and Sales Bob Elliston said. "She will be a highly prized addition to a racing stable or broodmare band."
