The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Dawn Passage produced a commanding performance to land the G3 Hawkesbury Guineas last month and he added the Inglis Guineas at Rosehill to his record with another dominant display.
“He holds a nomination for the Stradbroke and he would be a great lightweight chance so it’s something to look at,” Bott said. “It was a really tough effort today and showed how much he has matured.”
Dawn Passage wasn’t far off some of the better spring 3-year-olds, he finished within 4l of Bivouac (Exceed And Excel) when sixth the G1 Golden Rose S., before he was sent for a break.
He has come back in strong order this preparation, which kicked off with a runner-up finish in the Listed Darby Munro S. and was then all at sea on a heavy track when unplaced in the G2 Arrowfield Sprint.
Dawn Passage
“He took a lot of confidence from his win (at Hawkesbury) when he stepped up to the 1400 metres. He’s on an upward spiral and improved with each run and he’s got tracks that suit him,” Bott said. “Obviously, his fitness levels are good now and he’s got his confidence up.”
“Obviously, his fitness levels are good now and he’s got his confidence up.” – Adrian Bott
The race, which was robbed of significant interest when a stone bruise forced the scratching of pre-post favourite Masked Crusader (Toronado {Ire}), was down to a five-horse affair and Dawn Passage’s rider Adam Hyeronimus didn’t miss a beat.
He stalked the leader to the turn before taking over 200 metres from home and went to the line strongly for the fifth win of his 10-start career.
“We had to ride him out of his comfort zone and he really put himself in the race,” Bott said.
Hyeronimus said Dawn Passage was right at the top of his game and said he was more than capable of footing it in better company.
“He’s doing it all himself and he’s definitely gone to another level this preparation. “I’ve ridden some good horses, but not one who could accelerate like he did in that last furlong, he was very impressive.”
“He’s doing it all himself and he’s definitely gone to another level this preparation.” – Adam Hyeronimus
Rocha Clock (Pierro) earned her first piece of black type with a gallant second and Air To Air (Smart Missile) showed she also had a bright future when she came off a previous maiden win to come from last for third.
Bred by the Toorak Thoroughbred Breeding Trust, Dawn Passage was purchased for $150,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Mill Park Stud, and purchased by Waterhouse, Bott and Blue Sky Bloodstock.
Dawn Passage as a yearling
He is a half-brother to the G3 Jansz S. winner Dinkum Diamond (Keep The Faith), who is the dam of the G3 San Domenico S. winner and Group 1 Golden Rose S. placegetter Graff (Star Witness).
Dawn Passage’s dam Raja Lane (Devaraja {NZ}) won the G3 Dermody S. and the family of the four-time Group 2 winner Big Dreams (Habituate {Ire}), who also placed in five Group 1 events.
