Mastercraftsman Filly Group 1-Bound After Ascot Success

2nd-ASC, £10,000, Mdn, 9-5, 2yo, f, 8fT, 1:44.85, g/s.
DAWN OF HOPE (IRE) (f, 2, Mastercraftsman {Ire}–Sweet Firebird {Ire} {GSP-Ire}, by Sadler’s Wells), a €220,000 GOFORB yearling, was an encouraging third when favorite behind the subsequent dual group-placed Marenko (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) over seven furlongs on debut here July 24 and settled behind the leading trio throughout the early stages. Rolling to the front with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining, the even-money pick from the immediate family of Stravinsky was comfortably clear when geared down late to record a convincing 2 1/4-length success from Alyssa (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}). “She ran an encouraging race on her debut, had had a break and we expected her to run well,” trainer Roger Varian’s assistant Mike Marshall said. “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 G1 Fillies’ Mile [at Newmarket Oct. 9].” Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $11,305. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar; B-Gerrardstown House Stud (IRE); T-Roger Varian.