Cinderella’s Dream denied by Choisya in G2 Balanchine

Choisya beat a Godolphin filly at Meydan, UAE, for a second time this year as she narrowly prevailed over Cinderella’s Dream in the G2 Balanchine on Friday, 21 February.

Romantic Style had gone down by five lengths to Choisya in the G2 Cape Verdi, although G1-winning filly Cinderella’s Dream appeared a far more formidable opponent to the daughter of Night Of Thunder.

Covered up on the rail in fourth of the five runners, Cinderella’s Dream took closer order in third leaving the back and looked poised to lay down a strong challenge when a gap presented itself two furlongs out.

Choisya swept by the field soon after and kicked into a length advantage over a furlong out. Cinderella’s Dream rallied under William Buick and closed all the way to the line, with Choisya holding on by a head.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “We expected Cinderella’s Dream to win, but it was her first start since the Breeders’ Cup and we knew there would be marked improvement on whatever she did tonight. She has enjoyed her winter training in Dubai and we hopefully have a US summer campaign mapped out for her.”