NINE days before the Florida Derby, Anthony Bonomo shared a scoop.

“Keep your eye on this horse in the Florida Derby,” Bonomo said. “The horse’s name is Always Dreaming.”

Well, not exactly a scoop as the Todd Pletcher-trained colt went off second choice in the $1 million stakes at Gulfstream Park last Saturday. But, Bonomo definitely spoke the truth.

Owned by Bonomo’s Brooklyn Boyz Stable, Teresa Viola Racing Stable, et al, the son of Bodemeister crushed nine rivals, drawing off to win by five lengths over third-choice State Of Honor and favourite Gunnevera.

Bonomo balances hope and realism. “Listen, I thought we had it last year with (Greenpointcrusader) but he got hurt. To be on the trail again…it doesn’t happen to people sometimes in a lifetime and I’ve been very lucky to be on it two years in a row, I’m hoping this year I get there,” Bonomo said. “Who knows? Who knows? Crazy game. It’s like ping pong, what it does to you, but there’s nothing like it. That’s the name, Always Dreaming. It’s that kind of game.”

Always Dreaming finished second and third for Dominick Schetinno last summer before taking a break and transferring to Pletcher. The $350,000 yearling purchase made his debut for Pletcher in a maiden at Tampa Bay Downs, drawing off to win by 11½ lengths before taking an allowance race at Gulfstream Park in March. Making his stakes debut in the Florida Derby, the dark bay colt stamped his ticket to Churchill Downs.