Dance to Dubai returned to the winner’s stall for the first time this preparation; the first of a Peter Moody-trained treble New Year’s Eve at The Valley.
Taking full advantage of Carleen Hefel’s 2kg claim, a rails draw and a liking for the tight turning Moonee Valley circuit, the Pride of Dubai mare streeted her rivals over the 1200m trip.
“Look, I’ve won some Group 1’s but that was exciting,” Managing owner Wylie Dalziel of Dalziel Racing told racing.com after the win.
“Moods sat Carleen in there and said, ‘serve it up to that favourite, he’ll probably try and go with you but don’t let him take the lead, take him on’ and she did exactly that.”
The win capped a banner year for Dalziel Racing, who opted against selling Dance to Dubai at the broodmare sales mid-year, a decision that, upon reflection, looks a genius move.
“We didn’t think we’d get enough for her, and it’s paid dividends because Moods has her flying,” Dalziel said.
Moody will now have one eye on some of the weaker ‘black type’ races for the mare to increase her value for when her career comes to an end, ideally after many more wins like the final day of 2022.
