Pat Hyland knows better than most that racing does not usually guarantee a return.
Hyland’s shock defeat aboard the champion sprinter Vain in the 1969 AJC Sires’ Produce is a case in point.
Vain finished second to Beau Babylon just a week after thrashing his Golden Slipper rivals.
However, the situation surrounding the Group One Queen Of The Turf field has convinced the former champion jockey Bonaria is certain to produce a reward for travelling to Sydney.
The Queen Of The Turf attracted 10 acceptors but injury has already forced the scratching of the Kris Lees-trained Sharnee Rose.
Solicit has been under scrutiny after developing a skin condition but has been passed fit to start by Racing NSW’s veterinary staff.
The filly was switched back to the 1600 metres of the Queen Of The Turf after owner David Moodie made the call not to subject her to an endurance test in the Oaks (2400m).
Hyland is monitoring the situation.
“It makes a big difference to us because they pay $10,000 for eighth,” Hyland said.
But Hyland is not taking Bonaria to Sydney to run last.
Hyland says the Redoute’s Choice mare deserves another chance in Group One company after her effort in the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
Hyland is happy to see the $1 million Queen Of The Turf switched from Rosehill to Randwick as part of The Championships initiative.
Bonaria finished 10th behind Steps In Time in the Coolmore and Hyland said the five-year-old had things against her which she could not afford at the top level.
“She was just a bit close in the Coolmore and then she kept getting bumped from the inside,” Hyland said.
“She only got beaten three-and-a-half lengths but she’s not that good that she can overcome things like that in a Group One race.”
Hyland said he expected Bonaria to improve on the bigger Randwick track which is likely to improve to slow on Saturday.
The trainer said Red Tracer and Streama would be hardest to beat on wet ground but he expected Bonaria to be strong at the end of the 1600m.
Michael Rodd rode her to two Group Three wins in Melbourne before the Coolmore and will be back aboard on Saturday after Tim Clark partnered her in the Coolmore.
Hyland will instruct Rodd to ensure Bonaria has cover back in the field.
“She’ll be running on late and they still pay $100,000 for third, but she’s a good mare and we’ll have no excuses for her,” Hyland said.
