Starspangledbanner Filly Justifies Support On Second Start

Beautiful Dawn (3f Starspangledbanner – Balakera, by Dansili) built on a promising debut to justify favouritism in Friday’s fillies’ maiden at Dundalk.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained filly finished fifth over six furlongs last month and stepped up to a mile on her second start. Drawn wide, she raced prominently under Nathan Crosse and was travelling well when leading from over a furlong out. Ridden soon after, she kept on well to beat Timana (Footstepsinthesand) by a length and a quarter.

“That was a nice performance,” the winning rider said. “She had a lovely prep run up here the first day over six furlongs and it sharpened her up plenty for today. Hopefully, she can strengthen up and go on to better things.”

Owned by John Oxley, Beautiful Dawn was bought by Olivia Perkins Mackey as a yearling for €330,000. The daughter of Starspangledbanner was bred by Sebastian Curran.