Filly has held her own in some highly competitive contests.
California Dreamer to Chase Glory in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh
California Dreamer, the promising young filly trained by Adrian Murray, is set to take on a new challenge as she steps up in distance for the prestigious Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh next month. This daughter of Mehmas, owned by Amo Racing and Giselle De Aguiar, has consistently shown her potential, placing in top-tier races despite not yet claiming victory. Now, with a move up to seven furlongs in the Group One race on September 15, her connections are optimistic that she will finally break her maiden and secure her first win on the big stage.
California Dreamer's journey has been one of near misses and commendable performances. In her five starts so far, she has only once finished outside the top three, proving her mettle against some of the best young horses in Ireland. Notably, she earned her stripes in the Airlie Stud Stakes and the Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh, where she demonstrated her competitive spirit but just fell short of victory.
Her most recent effort saw her finishing strongly behind Ger Lyons' rising star, Babouche, who went on to win the Phoenix Stakes. This performance, along with her overall form, has prompted Murray and her owners to believe that a longer distance will bring out the best in her. "She's on a break and we're freshening her up for the Moyglare," Murray shared, highlighting their strategic approach to ensuring she is in peak condition for the race.
The decision to step up to seven furlongs comes from a belief that California Dreamer is naturally suited to a longer distance. Murray expressed confidence in this move, saying, "We’re going to move her up to seven furlongs, and we think she will be better over seven; she probably wants seven." This insight is grounded in her performances, where she has shown both speed and stamina but perhaps lacked the final push needed over shorter distances.
Murray's optimism is shared by her connections, who are eager to see her take on this new challenge. They recognize that while she has been close to breaking through on several occasions, the step up in trip could be the key to unlocking her full potential. "She’s been doing really well and rattling the crossbar for a few runs, and she’s a good filly. But we do think a step up in trip will improve her again," Murray added, underlining the confidence in her ability to rise to the occasion.
The Moyglare Stud Stakes is no ordinary race; it is a coveted Group One event that has seen some of the finest fillies in the world compete for top honors. For California Dreamer, this race represents not just an opportunity to break her maiden but to do so on one of the most prestigious stages in racing. Her owners, who tasted success with a third-place finish in the same race last year with Ornellaia, will be hoping that California Dreamer can go even better and claim victory.
As the countdown to September 15 begins, all eyes will be on California Dreamer as she prepares for what could be the defining moment of her young career. The expectations are high, but so too is the belief in her ability to deliver when it matters most. The move to seven furlongs could very well be the catalyst for a breakthrough performance, and if she can translate her consistent form into a winning run, the filly could become one of the stars of the season.
The racing world awaits with bated breath to see if California Dreamer can turn her dreams into reality at the Curragh.
