Jason Miller is pleased with Bonjoy’s progress since her return win two weeks ago and is looking for that momentum to continue in the Listed Raconteur Stakes (1400m).
Miller expected Bonjoy to run well first-up and the daughter of Maschino delivered, coming from last position and hitting the line strongly to win by 1 ¼ lengths.
Miller is looking forward to testing Bonjoy at black-type level again.
“She pulled up really good,” Miller said to The Races WA.
“I’ve always thought she was a Saturday filly.
“From what she does at home she is impressive.”
From five starts Bonjoy has recorded three wins and a second.
Her only flop came in last year’s Champion Filles Stakes (1600m) when finishing ninth to stable mate Admiration Express.
“She went amiss in the Champion Fillies and just pulled up a bit jarry,” Miller said.
“But she has come back in great order.”
Admiration Express proved a star for Miller in the autumn, finishing no further back than third in a top campaign of stakes racing.
She won the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m), placed second in the Challenge Stakes (1500m) and third in the Natasha Stakes (2200m) and WA Oaks (2400m).
With Admiration Express on the sidelines for an extended period recovering from a knee injury, Bonjoy can fill a lucrative void for Miller.
He says on their work at home previously, there was not much between Bonjoy and Admiration Express.
“Through their work Bonjoy had the upper hand,” Miller said.
“We’ve always had a big opinion of her.
“I don’t think she would have beaten Admiration Express in the Champion Fillies if I’m honest.
“But I dare say I would have been pretty confident she could have filled a placing.”
Steven Parnham has been booked to ride Bonjoy in the Raconteur Stakes.
Clint Johnston-Porter, who has not been beaten on Bonjoy, opted to take the mount on Vast Art.
Johnston-Porter won last year’s Raconteur Stakes on Devoted.
Vast Art is currently the $4 favourite with Tabtouch. Bonjoy is $7.50.
Splitting the pair is Rusty Dreams ($4.40) and Rear Admiral $5.
Vast Art and Bonjoy have drawn barrier one and seven respectively.
