JIMMIE, STAR Writer

SEEKING MY DREAM should prove his Cal's Jamaica Derby win over stablemate ALI BABA was progressive improvement, rather than him staying the distance better, when the pair renews rivalry in tomorrow's 10-furlong St Leger.

Both colts seamlessly re-entered training a week after the June 13 Derby; however, SEEKING MY DREAM, who was previously beaten by ALI BABA in April's 2000 Guineas, continues to look the better horse at exercise, similar to their Derby build-up.

Weeks before the Derby, SEEKING MY DREAM twice beat ALI BABA at exercise, signalling his improvement after being caught and beaten at a mile in the Guineas.

Galloping five and a half furlongs Sunday, SEEKING MY DREAM clocked 1:08.0, turning back another stable companion, CAMOUFLAGE.

That same morning, ALI BABA posted 1:09.4 for the distance, a far cry from SEEKING MY DREAM's 1:08.0, almost two seconds slower.

ALI BABA appeared full of running for the first 10 furlongs of the Derby, chasing SEEKING MY DREAM into the lane but flattened out when his stablemate kicked off the final turn.

SEEKING MY DREAM's improvement was obvious as he caught ALI BABA flat-footed and took command three furlongs out before reproducing his exercise gallops to win by four and a half lengths.

Class acts in the 11-horse field, SEEKING MY DREAM and ALI BABA should again complete the exacta for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta in the third consecutive classic race after exchanging victories in the Guineas and Derby.

Richard Azan's KRONUS proved his Lotto Classic Governor's Cup victory over SEEKING MY DREAM was no fluke when he stayed on for third in the Derby. Sitting level in the weights, he lacks the class of the big two but appears a safe trifecta bet.

Elsewhere on the 11-race card, speedy TALENTED TONY K is a banker, even though breaking from post-position one among six open allowance runners at 1000 metres straight.

First, the starting gate will be centred, taking the speedster away from the rail, hence reducing any advantage his rivals might have had.

Second, even if he were drawn dead against the rail, TALENTED TONY K's speed is such that he would have cleared his opponents easily to claim mid-track unopposed.