Late bloomer to give rivals nightmares

LATE bloomer Nightmares will be out to ruin the dreams of his rivals at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday.

Although inexperienced compared the balance of the field, Nightmares has shown plenty of promise in his short career.

The son of Roll With Joe has had three starts for two wins for trainer Charlie Wootton.

In comparison, Nightmares’ opposition have had as many as 72 starts and 10 wins!

“I never got him until he was three and he crossed fired a bit because wasn’t strong enough,” Wootton said. “He’s just been a bit immature, but is getting better every week.

“He’s a bit of a big lump of a horse, not huge just heavy set…like an old style standardbred.”

To be driven by Vivian Tomren, Nightmares has drawn barrier seven – the outside of the front row.

Betting markets have the four-year-old at $10, with Madeeba the favourite at $3 despite drawing the outside of the second line.

“He has trained on really well since his win a couple of weeks ago,” Wootton said. “He is running times at home like a good horse but is just inexperienced at the moment.

“He will go back obviously from that draw and be driven for one run and see how he goes.

“He’s going to need the speed to be on and may need to go early as he just needs to wind up given he doesn’t have that quick turn of foot.”

With no major plans in mind for the gelding, Wootton is considering sending Nightmares for a short break.

“I will probably give one more run and then put him out for a spell,” Wootton said. “He has been up for nearly 12 months and I think he will be better again after a break.”