by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Il Sogno Dream picked up his second Preferred Trot victory in his last three starts Monday night (Dec. 12) at Woodbine Racetrack.

The 5-year-old son of Cantab Hall banked some nice money throughout the summer for his connections on the Grand Circuit, but his return to the WEG circuit last month has allowed him to regain his winning touch.

New Image Media photo

Il Sogno Dream was a 1:53 winner in Monday’s Preferred Trot.

Il Sogno Dream got away fourth in Monday’s $25,840 featured event for driver Trevor Henry, while the most recent Preferred winner, Windsun Revenge, led the field by the quarter in :27.4 and half in :56.3.

Henry angled his charge to the outside to pick up cover just after the half and had to get after the 5-year-old to pick up his tempo, as Windsun Revenge trotted a big third quarter of :27.2 to reach the third station in 1:24. Il Sogno Dream was second-over and a little less than three lengths from the front turning for home.

In the stretch, Windsun Revenge tried to finish off the front-end mission, but Il Sogno Dream found his best stride and tracked down the leader in deep stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:53. Windsun Revenge held on for second, while Fearless Man, who got a two-hole trip, was third.

Il Sogno Dream is trained by Victor Puddy for owners Dan Manes, Bill Manes, Leonard Christopher and Randy Christopher. The 5-year-old was winless in 15 starts this year when he rejoined the Puddy barn last month and now has two wins in 18 starts to bring his 2016 earnings to $173,064. The son of Cantab Hall is approaching millionaire status, as his 19th career victory Monday brings his career earnings to $912,641. The clocking of 1:53 was a new season’s best for Il Sogno Dream. The Puddy trainee paid $5.80 to win.

Live racing resumes Thursday evening at Woodbine Racetrack. Post time is 7:30 p.m.