Hopes high for Dawn to make breakthrough

RACING: Varian’s filly should appreciate easier task on appearance at Pontefract

DAWN OF HOPE has not quite hit the heights connections had hoped for but Listed success appears to be within her grasp in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Online Pipalong Stakes at Pontefract.

The Roger Varian-trained filly was a one-time Classic hopeful in her younger days, and while that did not work out she has kept pretty good company throughout her career and generally not been disgraced.

A case in point was her latest run, where she was seventh in a red-hot running of the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing fourand-a-half lengths behind top-class winner Qemah.

This is significantly easier – on paper at least – and it is hard to see her not being involved at the finish, particularly as Varian has his string in good order at the moment.

AVON BREEZE is the pick in the King Richard III Handicap.

Richard Whitaker’s mare belied a lengthy absence to win over the course and distance little over a week ago and although the margin was only half-alength, it was an authoritative display.

As she is currently in foal to Equiano and will have to stop racing next month, time is of the essence and it is no surprise to see her turned out quickly under the penalty.

She is clearly thriving and another bold bid looks assured.

It would be nice to see John Quinn with another good Flat performer and he might just have one in the shape of

SHAHEEN, who goes in the opening Dianne Nursery Handicap

A keeping-on mid-division finish on his first start behind subsequent Coventry Stakes hero Rajasinghe hinted at ability and indeed he improved a few places at Ripon, before making no mistake last time at Redcar.

Making all, he found something when asked and there is no reason he cannot continue on the upgrade.

SELECTIONS: PONTEFRACT: 2.10 Shaheen, 2.40 Dapper Man, 3.10 DAWN OF HOPE (NAP), 3.40 Avon Breeze, 4.10 Walton Street, 4.40 Golconda Prince, 5.10 Desert Ruler.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 1.55 Bogsnog, 2.25 Point North, 2.55 Mrs Teasdale, 3.25 Viola Park, 3.55 Zebelini, 4.25 Here’s Two, 4.55 Glittering Jewel, 5.25 Many Waters.

DOUBLE: Dawn Of Hope and Shaheen.