Fairytale of New York for Cinderella’s Dream in G1 Belmont Oaks

Cinderella’s Dream produced a blistering stretch run and set a new course record at Aqueduct with a scintillating victory in the G1 Belmont Oaks on Saturday, 6 July. 

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Shamardal homebred was making her US debut having won four of her five starts in the UK and Meydan, with her only defeat coming when seventh in the G1 1,000 Guineas. 

William Buick tacked over from his wide stall to settle Cinderella’s Dream in a clear eighth of the nine runners as Segesta and She Feels Pretty dictated in front. 

After drifting off the inside rail rounding the far turn, Cinderella’s Dream was switched out to deliver her challenge at the top of the straight. Dynamic Pricing forced Cinderella’s Dream even wider before the Godolphin filly started to storm through the field. 

Cinderella’s Dream quickened by Segesta and She Feels Pretty in the final strides and was eased on the line for a cosy three-quarter length success in a record time of 1m 53.42s for the extended nine furlongs. 

Charlie Appleby said: “It was always our plan to drop Cinderella’s Dream in and ride a race on her. She has shown at home that she can jump and latch on a bit, so we were keen that she did everything the right way round on her first start here. 

“The pace was sensible, but it held up, and I was confident off the turn that she would pick up if she got the splits. It was a great ride by William, and I am very pleased that she has got the job done.”

William Buick added: “Cinderella’s Dream was posted a little wide in eight and I didn't want to cover ground, but she picked up really well. From the quarter-pole, I always felt I was going to get there.

“She showed in Dubai over the winter that she has a real good kick. But I was impressed with her there because I thought Segesta got it her own way in front – she wasn't going very fast and Johnny [Velazquez on She Feels Pretty] sat in the best position in the race. My filly had to pick up well to pick those two off.”