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Michael Lane has sounded a warning to Rusty Dreams’ rivals that the exciting filly is at her peak as she strives to end her campaign on a winning high at Belmont on Saturday.
After a brilliant last-start win in the Belmont Guineas (1600m), Michael Lane says Rusty Dreams is spot on to secure the second-leg of a feature double in the Belmont Oaks (2000m).
Rusty Dreams confirmed her potential in the Belmont Guineas when she came from last position and gained a dream rails run to notch her first stakes victory by 1 ¾ lengths.
After a win on debut at Pinjarra, Rusty Dreams, a daughter of Universal Ruler, has progressed to five victories, a second and a third from seven starts with earnings of $374,820.
Lane says Rusty Dreams has come through her Belmont Guineas run in top shape and he's confident she will be competitive in the Belmont Oaks.
"She is going super and hasn't taken a backward step," Lane told Tabradio.
"She's going the same way I would have thought and is healthy and well.
"I knew she would get a strong mile in the Belmont Guineas and everything is going great with her.
"She'll go to the paddock after the Oaks and we'll map out a programme for the summer carnival."
Rusty Dreams is a homebred for Peter Capararo's Canal Enterprise Syndicate.
She opened the $2.25 favourite with TABtouch, but has eased to $2.90.
She's been displaced at the top of the market by Ihts Closing Inn.
Trained by Adam Durrant, she went up $3, but has come in for significant support, tightening into $2.
The Sessions filly has won her past three races including last-start over 2000m in a graduation handicap.
"Adam is always the one to beat over these staying trips," Lane said.
"No matter if it's Ihts Closing Inn or any other horse in his stable.
"We know how good he is with stayers.
"I respect him highly."
Jockey Chris Parnham is chasing his first win in the Belmont Oaks with Rusty Dreams.
They combine from barrier four, Ihts Closing Inn has drawn barrier six for William Pike.
Meanwhile Lane says Universal Playboy will bounce back and be hard to beat in the Michael Gangemi 100th Birthday Handicap (1000m).
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