Canberra Cup For Arab Dawn

With his breakthrough Australian win behind him, the imported runner Arab Dawn will continue on a path toward his major Autumn target when he runs in the Listed Canberra Cup at Canberra on Sunday, March 6.

Arab Dawn (John O'Shea/James McDonald) showed he was a horse with a future when he won the Listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill last month, a victory that persuaded the stable to aim toward the top with the son of Dalakhani.

"The (G1) BMW is looking like a genuine possibility, but this is his first preparation with us here so we won't be rushing him," said trainer John O'Shea.

Before thoughts turn to the BMW, Arab Dawn needs to account for Sunday's opposition in a race no stronger than the one he carried off at Rosehill.

In that win Arab Dawn beat his in-form stablemate Allergic, a result that gave O'Shea a good guide to his ability.

"We certainly knew he was a talented horse by looking at his English form and everything he'd shown us since he arrived was positive," he said.

"You don't always know for sure until they get into a race, but he confirmed our opinions.

"He's done very well since that run and the great thing about him is that he's a very easy horse to train.

"He's lightly-framed but very athletic and very genuine."

Arab Dawn will be accompanied by the filly Italy (John O'Shea/James McDonald) who runs in Sunday's Listed Canberra Guineas.

While her only win was 12 months ago, Italy has raced consistently in good company and is likely to appreciate a drop in class in her latest assignment.

"She got onto the worst part of the track in a Group three in Melbourne last start and was still only four lengths from the winner," O'Shea said.

"But she's really worked nicely since then and the drop back in grade her will help her."