 Prominent New South Wales breeder and owner Jim
Fleming has purchased a share of boom Victorian trained filly Moon Dragon on the eve of a
campaign which kicks off on Saturday.Widely
tipped as one of Australia's most exciting gallopers and future broodmares, the Lee
Freedman trained youngster is the early favourite for this year's Group One Australian
Oaks.
When asked by Cyberhorse, Swettenham Stud's Australian
Director Adam Sangster confirmed today that Fleming had purchased a share in the Danehill
filly.
Questioned about the value of the transaction Sangster was
tight lipped except to say that Swettenham had "knocked back a substantial offer for
her after the Sandown Guineas win last year."
Following her last start win in the Group Two Sandown Guineas
last November media speculation had the value of the filly in excess of a million dollars.
 Sangster said the first approach from Fleming, who
owns and operates Tyreel Stud, came in Queensland last month.
"Mr Fleming approached us at the Magic Millions Sale on
the Gold Coast and expressed an interest in buying a share," Sangster said.
Moon Dragon will race in the Sangster family's colours when
she steps out in the $151,000 The Brighton Mazda Vanity (Group Three) over 1400 metres.
The filly's chances were dented slightly at the barrier draw
after being assigned to gate 15. Champion jockey Damien Oliver has been engaged to ride
the filly.
Sangster is hoping that Moon Dragon can continue on from the
early promise she had shown during her latest preparation.
 "We're hoping she continues to fulfil the
potential she has already shown," he said.
The filly's current record stands at five wins from eight
starts and prize earnings of $247,400. Prior to her win in the Sandown Guineas, where she
stormed home to down stablemate All Courage, Moon Dragon had scored an impressive win in
the listed Great Western on Melbourne Cup Day.
Fleming has expanded on one of the country's best broodmare
bands in his ownership with the puchase of the stakes in Moon Dragon. Already his list of
mares include Eau D'Etoile, Ballroom Babe, Chlorophyll, Impulsive Rhythm, Sky Watch,
Temple Fire, Macrosa and Champagne's half sister Silently Yours.
PICS - Quentin
Lang. |
