Awesome Project Wins 2014 Harrison-Dawson Final
Astute Devon Meadows mentor Darren McDonald claimed yet another Group Two victory when Awesome Project (3) led all the way to take out the $100,000 to-the-winner Harrison-Dawson final at Sandown on Thursday night.
The son of Collision and Honour Phase (Big Daddy Cool – Hunter Tylo) exited box three flawlessly and quickly crossed to lead from Musquin Bale (2), with Banjo Boy (7) working around the field to get to third.
From that point, the 33kg black dog made it a case of “catch me if you can” and showed a voluminous amount of intestinal fortitude to stave off the strong Musquin Bale and prevail by a length in a quick 29.49.
Banjo Boy tried hard but was unable to catch the two leaders and finished third, a further three lengths away.
Of the beaten brigade, Hawk Alone (9) was only fairly away from box eight and had to circle the field before running on well to finish fourth. Owen Bale (6), Cornelius Fudge (5), Tyronimo (4) and Texas Titan (1) were all away slowly and failed to match it with the top four who showed their class.
The win was Awesome Project's 18th from 38 starts and takes his career earnings beyond $200,000.
Full Results
1 – Awesome Project (3) – Darren McDonald
2 – Musquin Bale (2) – Andrea Dailly
3 – Banjo Boy (7) – Ken Virtue
4 – Hawk Alone (9) – Andrea Dailly
5 – Cornelius Fudge (5) – Lisa Cockerell
6 – Owen Bale (6) – Steve Collins
7 – Tyronimo (4) – Wayne Vassallo
8 – Texas Titan (1) – Jeff Britton
Time: 29.49
1st Split: 5.07 (3)
2nd Split: 18.80 (3)
Margins: 1 x 3
Scratchings: Mepunga Melachi (8), My Bro Fabio (10). Hawk Alone started from box eight.