Michael Walker passed up the ride on Bonaria earlier in the autumn, but now the jockey is fit and ready to go he’s looking forward to re-uniting with the stakes winner on Saturday.
Walker has only recently returned to Melbourne racing having had hip surgery after last year’s spring carnival.
His book of Flemington rides includes the Pat Hyland-trained Bonaria who won at Group Three level against her own sex at the same track two starts ago.
Walker said he had the option to ride the mare that day but didn’t feel he was ready.
“They actually asked me to come back and ride her, because I was riding in New Zealand then, but I had to be fair to Pat and the owners,” Walker said.
“I was only 80 per cent and to ride here in Australia you have to be 150 per cent. I believe I did the right thing by being cautious.”
Bonaria goes into the Lort Smith Animal Hospital Handicap (1600m) on the back of a last-start fourth in the Sunline Stakes and Walker gives her a genuine chance.
“I rode her during the spring including a placing behind Mosheen in a Group race,” Walker said.
“I reckon this can be her year because she’s fully mature and strong now. She’s drawn barrier three and I think she can win and then they have got options with her from there.”
Walker made his comeback in New Zealand before returning to Melbourne at the end of March.
He hasn’t ridden a city winner since his return but rode a treble at Sale on Sunday and a double at Ballarat on Thursday.
Walker’s best chance on Saturday could come in the opening race on three-year-old Lankan Rupee in the Living Legends Handicap (1000m).
The Mick Price-trained colt was unplaced first-up but showed promise in his four-start spring campaign, including a close third to Snitzerland in the $250,000 Blue Sapphire Stakes.
