Bonny O'Reilly's trainer has opted for Rosehill over Doomben
Black-type racing in Queensland is still in Bonny O’Reilly’s future plans, just not at Doomben this weekend.
Trainer Bjorn Baker had intended to send the four-year-old north for the Listed Bright Shadow (1200m) on Saturday but an unfavourable barrier draw means she will race at Rosehill.
After she came up with gate 19 of 21 in Brisbane, Baker opted for the TJ Smith Hall Of Fame Handicap (1200m) as Bonny O’Reilly’s second start of this preparation.
Baker says he still believes the mare can make an impact in Queensland during winter.
“I’d like to get her up there and chase some black type at some stage through the carnival. We’ll see what happens on Saturday and go from there,” Baker said.
Bonny O’Reilly has banked five wins already and is favoured to record back-to-back victories at Rosehill, heading the TAB’s market at $3.20.
“She’s in good order and I think she handles any track. There’s a bit of rain forecast,” he said.
Rosehill was classified as good on Thursday, a foundation for four of Bonny O’Reilly’s wins with the other on soft ground on debut at Nowra.
Rain is forecast in Sydney on Friday and Saturday.
Baker thought she had the ideal launching pad with Jason Collett from barrier seven.
“She’s got tactical speed so it’s the perfect gate for her.”
Baker also has three-year-olds Another Slipper and Samadoubt entered in benchmark races.
Another Skipper was transferred from premier Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan late last year and has his first start for Baker in the Saintly Hall Of Fame Handicap (1100m).
“His (two) trials have been OK without being great and if the rain does come, that’s a concern,” Baker said.
Samadoubt is second-up in the George Moore Hall Of Fame Handicap (1400m) for the 10th start of a career that got underway in October, 2015.
“His first-up run was good and 1400 should suit,” Baker said.
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly (6) but he’s in good order.”
Apart from the TAB Highway Handicap, all races at Rosehill are named for Hall of Fame inductees.
