Pat Hyland is eyeing Group One riches in Sydney with Bonaria after the mare claimed the Group Three Schweppervescence Trophy at Flemington for the second-straight year.
Bonaria was sent out the $3.40 favourite in Saturday’s 1600m race and after settling in a comfortable trail close to the lead, jockey Michael Rodd made his move at the 300m.
She sprinted quickly to set up a clear-cut lead before Text’n Hurley ($5) closed to within a length with Bippo No Bungus ($12) a long neck away third.
The $600,000 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill in two weeks is slated as Bonaria’s next start before the $1 million Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) on April 19 at Randwick.
Her trainer is hoping the mare can land her first Group One.
“The way she’s going she could do anything really,” Hyland said.
“She is doing very well and hopefully we can go to Sydney and maybe win a Group One.”
Hyland said if Bonaria, a Group Three winner at her past two starts, struck a wet track she would be even better suited.
Rodd elected to ride Bonaria closer to the speed with 58.5kg but says the mare can make her presence felt in the Coolmore with a light weight when ridden in a quieter manner.
“In a Group One race ridden back in a big field, she can really run home,” Rodd said.
