Fillies’ Mile target for Dawn Of Hope

Dawn Of Hope as a yearling.                                   Photo: Platinum Bloodstock

Group 1 company beckons for Dawn Of Hope – a half-sister to Ayrad – after she routed the field in the mile juvenile fillies’ maiden at Ascot on Saturday to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

The Roger Varian-trained filly ran third to Marenko, subsequently Group 3-placed, on her debut over 7f at the same track in July and made use of her experience this time around to hold a prominent position before kicking clear to win in impressive fashion under Jim Crowley.

“Dawn Of Hope put the race to bed very quickly and liked the ground,” Jim Crowley told the Racing Post. “She´s a lovely filly and appreciated the step up in trip. I think she´s quite smart.”

Mike Marshall, assistant to Roger Varian, added: “She ran an encouraging race on her debut, had had a break and we expected her to run well. She’s on the up and is a filly with a bit of scope about her. Also, she does seem to handle this ground and that is good to know ahead of another race in the autumn.

“We will have to see how she comes out of this, but there’s a possibility she’ll run in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile [at Newmarket Oct. 9].”

The daughter of Mastercraftsman is a half-sister to our classy 4yo Ayrad, winner of the Listed Tapster Stakes at Goodwood earlier this year. Bred by Gerrardstown House Stud, she is also a half-sister to triple winners But Beautiful and Big Mago and out of Sweet Firebird, a Group 3-placed Sadler’s Wells half-sister to top sprinter Stravinsky.

Dawn Of Hope was purchased by Tony Nerses out of the Platinum Bloodstock consignment for €220,000 at last year’s Goffs Orby Sale.