A Stradbroke Handicap start is still an option for Dawn Passage following his tradesman like win in the $200,000 Inglis 3yo Guineas (1400m) at Rosehill today.

Dawn Passage, above, scored a tradesmanlike win in the Inglis 3yo Guineas at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winning jockey Adam Hyeronimus had Dawn Passage travelling sweetly just off the leader Bandersnatch ($4.20) and once heads were turned for home, it was clear that the $2 favourite was in no danger of defeat.

Trainer Adrian Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, said that it is likely that Dawn Passage would now head to Brisbane for the Group 1 $350,000 The Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 6.

“Certainly look to the Stradbroke. He holds a nomination and would be a great lightweight chance. He seems to be well in the market and he is improving with every run and racing with confidence.”

“It is certainly something to look at for us.”

Dawn passage is currently the $8 favourite at Ladbrokes.com.au for The Stradbroke Handicap.

Bott said that Dawn Passage responded well to being ridden closer to the speed today in the small five horse field after being ridden well of the pace at his previous starts.

“He really showed his maturity today. We had to ride him out of his comfort zone, out of his usual racing pattern, but with his maturity now, he is really learning how to race with  bit more tactical speed,” Bott said.

“He really put himself in the race today, which helped to win it for him.”

The John O’Shea trained Rocha Clock ($4.40) worked hard to the line to fill the runner’s up stall while third placegetter Air To Air ($51) ran a mighty race stepping up from a Maiden win at Kembla Grange last start.