ON paper, Await The Dawn’s turf rating of 120 makes him one of the better horses Mike de Kock has trained  – reason enough to expect him to be all the rage for the Gr 2 Dubai  City Of Gold over 2410m on Super Saturday.

From what he’s seen, Mike will probably confirm that this rating equals his 2012 acquisition’s true ability. However, for all anyone knows at this stage, Await The Dawn may turn out to be even better than the handicapper’s assessment.

Mike is fond of the six-year-old entire he calls, “a revelation”.  After two runs for the stable he’s described Await The Dawn as  “a proper thoroughbred” and appears quietly confident that his charge can reach hitherto unscaled heights.

Presently happy and sound, Await The Dawn approaches what could well be a late peak in his racing career.  If all goes well, he could become the talking horse of the 2013 Carnival and bag some serious loot in the process.

One should never count any chickens, pre-hatched, or put undue pressure on a stable, but Await The Dawn impressed racing experts all over the world with his fluent win over 2000m in a handicap at Meydan on 21 February. They included Racing Post’s analyst Ron Wood, who suggested that Await The Dawn looked ready to stand his ground again in Group company.

Await The Dawn: More scenes of joy are possible on Super Saturday. (Andrew Watkins).

The son of  Giant’s Causeway retired hurt after the 2012 Dubai Duty Free and, acquired after negotiations with Ballydoyle, became what Mike termed  a ‘project horse’ – a case for his nursing home.

As luck, a spell in the paddock and the skills of Dr John McVeigh would have it, the project succeeded. Now, on the eve of his biggest  test since the 2011 Gr 2 Harwicke Stakes over 2400m at Ascot, racing’s students are expecting Await The Dawn to come to light.

Lightly-raced with six wins from 11 starts, Await The Dawn must be enjoying every opportunity he gets to go into battle with his seasoned four-legged counterparts.  Chances are he will relish a stronger challenge after slaying arguably lesser opposition with little fuss.

On Thursday, Mike told Newzpoint Media:  “In looking at his form and at the strength of the race, I would venture to say Await The Dawn is my best runner (on Super  Saturday). He’s a versatile horse, able to win from a mile to a mile-and-a-half. He’s got speed, he can turn it on. He can relax or sit up there with (the pacemakers). He’s a pleasure to train.”

Enough said. There are decidedly positive vibes around this one. Mike dislikes premature excitement and star-studded predictions and he will advise caution, as always.  For the sheer promise it holds, however,  we’ll eagerly Await The Dawn…