The striking bay filly (pictured Trish Dunnell) from the Westbury Stud draft is a daughter of unraced Al
Maher mare Alma Star who is a half sister to the dam of champion racemare
Atlantic Jewel as well as Gr. 1 winner Commanding Jewel. Moroney was frank in his assessment when questioned after the sale.
"We put together a hit list of six fillies we were keen on but this was the one that was clearly at the top of that list," he said.
"Our strategy was to have a decent go at securing her and if we missed out then we would have a closer look at the others but the reality was this one was our goal.
"She is tremendously athletic and has a quality pedigree behind her and I felt she was the best filly in the sale which I guess was apparent as there was plenty of interest during the bidding.
"We probably blew our budget to get her but that's what you have to do sometimes."
Moroney is keen to see the filly perform on the racetrack to enhance her value for a future breeding career which may involve a date with Glenn's current racetrack star Criterion.
Glenn is currently assembling a band of well pedigreed mares that will form a support base for the multiple Group One winning son of Sebring when he finally retires to stud.
"Sir Owen is a patriotic kiwi and he was keen to support this sale as he looks to build his potential broodmare band over the next few years," noted Moroney.
"When Criterion retires to the stallion barn he will look to support him with mares of the quality of this filly."
Glenn advised the filly would remain in New Zealand for the time being to allow her to strengthen and mature before she was most likely to find her way to the David Hayes stable in Melbourne. – NZ Racing Desk
