New
Zealand does not have a runner at Royal Ascot this year, but they 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 Gr.3 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
ismanaged by his Melbourne Cup-winning trainer brother Mike.
Prepared
at Newmarket by Ed Vaughan, Dancing Brave Bear wonher only start at two
over 1400m at Lingfield andstarted 2018 with a victory on the all-weather surface
atChelmsford over a mile.
Stepped up in class and trip last time out, Dancing Brave Bear showed
shecan be competitive at Royal Ascot next month where she will tackle the
Gr.2 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-figureprivate 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 she has a pedigree to match."
Dancing Brave Bear is out of three-time Group Three winner Baghdaria, a
Royal Academy half-sister to four stakes winners including the 2011
Preakness Stakes (1900m) winner Shackleford and the Gr.1 Alabama
Stakes(2000m) winner Lady Joanne.
"Now she has the Group form it obviously enhances her value,but the
pleasing thing is that Ed expects her to improve again,"Moroney said.
