Dream Quest First Winner for Drain the Clock

Gainesway's freshman sire Drain the Clock was represented by his first winner April 30 when Dream Quest, his first starter, scored a determined victory in a maiden special weight at Santa Anita Park. Breaking midpack, the California-bred filly hustled to the lead for jockey Tiago Pereira where she set fractions of :22.32 and :47.12 through the first half. Challenged in the stretch, Dream Quest grittily held her position to defeat Thirsty Caitlin by a head. Dream Quest ($3) completed the 4 1/2-furlong test for state-breds in :53.67 on a fast main track. Trained by Steve Knapp, the filly is owned by Knapp, breeder Terry Lovingier, and John Moroney. She was purchased by Moroney, Knapp, and Thomsen Racing for $75,000 out of the 2025 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings Sale. A speedy son of Maclean's Music, Drain the Clock won twice as a juvenile, and blossomed as a 3-year-old. In 2021, he rattled off wins in the Limehouse, Swale (G3), and Bay Shore (G3) stakes before defeating eventual champion Jackie's Warrior in the Woody Stephens Stakes (G1). He retired with a 7-3-0 record in 15 starts with earnings of $698,000 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and owners Slam Dunk Racing, Madaket Stables, Wonder Stables, and Michael Nentwig. Drain the Clock entered stud in 2023 at Gainesway, where he proved popular among breeders, covering 199 mares in his first season. His progeny have been impressing at the sales; his 41 2-year-olds sold have averaged $214,463, led by a $1.1 million colt sold at the Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Drain the Clock stands the 2026 season at Gainesway for a $10,000 fee.