Horse Racing
Light Of Dawn given Rockfel aim
Light Of Dawn will bid to supplement Prestige Stakes honours in the Betway Rockfel Stakes after opening up a new avenue for the autumn when winning at at Goodwood.
Karl Burke’s Wathnan-owned youngster created a big impression on debut at Carlisle earlier in the season and was not disgraced when immediately upped to Group company at Royal Ascot, finishing third in a red-hot Albany Stakes behind Libertango and Sun Goddess who have both enhanced the form hugely.
A disappointing run in France would follow but stepping up to seven furlongs with ease in the ground unlocked further progress from the Spigot Lodge juvenile, who registered a convincing Group Three success on the Sussex Downs to book her ticket to the Rowley Mile on September 25.
Richard Brown, racing adviser for Wathnan Racing, said: “We were delighted to see her win at Goodwood as it had just gone a bit wrong for her in France after her Ascot run which was really good.
“James (Doyle) felt he hit the front a bit too soon in the Albany but I don’t think he really had much choice with the way the race was panning out.
“We had confidence in her and thought she would enjoy the soft ground like most Showcasings do. We were also thinking seven furlongs would suit but then you never know until you try.
“It was pleasing she was strong at the line and she won it well.
“It opens up new avenues heading into the autumn. Both Karl and I are on the same page and thinking we’ll take her to Newmarket for the Rockfel next. We’ll just take it one step at a time and not think much further than that just yet.”
