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| Staff Writer |
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Newmarket trainer William Knight is brimming with confidence as Frost At Dawn prepares to defend her Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint crown at Meydan's Super Saturday meeting. The straight-course specialist returns to Dubai with an ambitious spring campaign mapped out, culminating in another tilt at the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint, where she'll face the challenge of stepping up to 1200 metres on Dubai World Cup night.
The Rabbah Bloodstock-owned mare, a flagbearer for Knight's record-breaking 2024 season, returns to the scene of her most emphatic victory. In last year's renewal of the AED1,200,000 contest, the daughter of Frosted demonstrated her mastery of Meydan's straight 1000-metre course with a tactically brilliant performance. Racing prominently from the outset, she found a perfect rhythm while hugging the far rail, skillfully avoiding the traffic of the main pack. Her superior turn of foot was evident in the closing stages as she powered clear to a commanding 2 1/2-length success over Godolphin's Star Of Mystery. The performance was particularly noteworthy as third-placed Logo Hunter, carrying 12 pounds more than his 3YO rivals, finished a further 1 3/4 lengths behind.
"I think she's better this year than she did last year. She's stronger. She's done really well three to four," said Knight, who has overseen the mare's winter preparation at his Rathmoy Stables base in Newmarket.
"She's been training well during the winter. Obviously, she's got to acclimatise when she gets out to Dubai, but she took to it well out there last year."
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The title defence presents new hurdles, with Knight acutely aware of the emerging challengers. "West Acre looks pretty good. He broke track record the other day in the Blue Point Sprint. Star Of Mystery probably will line up for it as well. It's a Group Three, it'll be a tough assignment, but I feel she's right up for it."
The quality of opposition underscores the prestige of this Super Saturday contest, which has established itself as a crucial stepping stone to Al Quoz Sprint success.
Knight's return to Newmarket in April 2020 marked a new chapter in his career, building on his achievements at Angmering Park in Sussex where he trained over 300 winners, including 2010 Goodwood Cup hero Illustrious Blue. The move to Rathmoy Stables has coincided with continued success, culminating in a remarkable 2024 season that yielded 40 winners. Frost At Dawn's Gr.3 triumph in Dubai proved a highlight of this record-breaking campaign, cementing her status as her sire Frosted's 26th stakes winner.
Travel arrangements reflect the meticulous planning behind this international campaign. The mare is scheduled to fly to Dubai on Saturday morning, followed by the mandatory quarantine period. “She has done plenty of work at home. She goes out there fit. She will acclimatise at Meydan with a few sensible canters and be ready for her run on Saturday," Knight detailed.
The Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint represents the ultimate target, presenting the additional challenge of a step up to 1200 metres. "The plan is that she runs a big race on Super Saturday, and we go from there to the Al Quoz," Knight stated.
While the extra 200 metres will test her stamina, her proven affinity for the Meydan turf track provides encouraging foundations for this ambitious progression.
Operating from the historic Rathmoy Stables, perfectly positioned to access both Newmarket's famed Warren Hill and extensive racecourse gallops, Knight has created an environment conducive to producing top-class performers. The yard's strategic location, combined with Knight's experienced eye and patient approach, has been instrumental in Frost At Dawn's development. Her scheduled defence of the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint crown represents another significant milestone in both the mare's career and the yard's continued ascendancy in international racing.