By Elaine Belval
I had the privilege of working for Juddmonte Farms for several years and for that reason I am hesitant to write about Juddmonte stallions (bias, you know?). But, Tuesday, at Royal Ascot, was clearly Juddmonte’s day. First, Juddmonte’s outstanding three-year-old colt Frankel won the G1 St. James’s Palace S. Finishing an impressive second was Zoffany, by Juddmonte’s stallion Dansili.
But, it was Juddmonte’s supersire Oasis Dream that had the best day. First, Oasis Dream’s son Prohibit won the prestigious G1 King’s Stand S. at five furlongs. Later that day, his two-year-old Power won the G2 Coventry S.
A great deal was expected from Oasis Dream from the very beginning. After winning his maiden race, Oasis Dream won the G1 Middle Park S. at Newmarket, setting a new course record for six furlongs. And while Europeans don’t obsess over time the way Americans do, most took notice of his 1:09.61 time for the race—the first horse to ever run six furlongs over that course in under 1:10. That shocking performance earned him champion two-year-old honors.
Early in his three-year-old season, the champion two-year-old was considered a classics contender. But trainer John Gosden decided that the major sprint races would better suit. Oasis Dream finished third to Australian superstar Choisir in his first race at three, the G2 King’s Stand S. Oasis Dream reversed that finish with an impressive victory in the G1 July Cup. He then put up an even more impressive performance in the five furlong G1 Nunthorpe S., running just 0.04 seconds off the track record. He finished second in the G1 Sprint Cup at Haydock, compromised by rain-softened ground. An unsuccessful trip in the Breeders’ Cup Mile did not deter British handicappers, who named him champion three-year-old and champion sprinter.
Oasis Dream is by Green Desert. This venerable son of Danzig is also the sire of Cape Cross (G1 winners Sea the Stars and Ouija Board) and leading young sire Invincible Spirit. Oasis Dream’s dam is a daughter of Dancing Brave named Hope. The year Oasis Dream was champion two-year-old,  Hope’s daughter Zenda won the French 1,000 Guineas (Poule d’Essai des Pouliches).
Great things were expected of Oasis Dream when he retired to stud, and he has not disappointed. His first GSW was Visit, winner of the Princess Margaret S. in July of her two-year-old season. Oasis Dream would have another three GSWs with his first two-year-olds. His first G1 winner in that crop was Aqlaam (G1 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp).
One of the more surprising things about Oasis Dream is the versatility of his performers. His sire Green Desert is best known for siring milers. But Oasis Dream is proving capable of siring anything from Group-winning two-year-old sprinters to 12 furlong performers. This versatility no doubt stems from the fact that Oasis Dream’s first three dams were sired by the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. winners Dancing Brave, Mill Reef and Busted.
Prohibit is now Oasis Dream’s eighth G1 winner. And with Power’s impressive victory in the Coventry, a G1 victory seems certain in his future.
Oasis Dream stands at Juddmonte’s Banstead Manordivision  in England and his 2011 fee was £85,000.
Great article Elaine. 🙂