Kiwis chasing a right royal result
New Zealand does not have a runner at Royal Ascot this year, but will have a presence.
Bloodstock consultant Paul Moroney selected Dancing Brave Bear, who booked her ticket to the carnival with a runner-up finish in the group three Musidora Stakes (2000m) at York on Wednesday.
A US$230,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase, Moroney secured the Street Cry filly on behalf of the Ballymore Sterling Syndicate which is managed by his Melbourne Cupwinning trainer brother Mike.
Prepared at Newmarket by Ed Vaughan, Dancing Brave Bear won her only start at two over 1400m at Lingfield and started 2018 with a victory on the all-weather surface at Chelmsford over a mile.
Stepped up in class and trip last time out, Dancing Brave Bear showed she can be competitive at Royal Ascot next month where she will tackle the group two Ribblesdale Stakes (2400m).
Mike Moroney’s Ballymore syndicate has already had a Royal runner when the Vaughan-trained Bartel finished close up in eighth in the Britannia Stakes (1600m), prompting a seven-figure private sale to Hong Kong.
“We formed a syndicate with
myself and some long-term clients,” Moroney said. “The thing that attracted us to Dancing Brave Bear was her physique — she’s a terrific sort and has a pedigree to match.”
“It’s obviously extremely exciting and we are all looking forward to the Royal Ascot meeting and anticipating cheering home a Kiwi winner,” Moroney said.