Bjorn Baker is confident an awkward barrier draw will not derail Bonny O’Reilly’s return to Group company in the Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill.
The consistent mare put a rare blemish on her record the last time she drew an outer gate, albeit in top class company in the Group One Tatt’s Tiara at Doomben in June.
Trapped wide throughout after jumping from barrier 12, she finished second last, 10 lengths from the winner Tycoon Tara.
Bonny O’Reilly has stall 12 of 14 for Saturday’s Group Three Sheraco (1200m) and Baker is comfortable she will not face the same predicament.
“She’s fine. She’s got natural gate speed so I’m sure she’ll be able to put herself in the race,” Baker said.
Bonny O’Reilly bounced back from her Tatt’s Tiara disappointment by claiming a Benchmark 95 Handicap on August 26 with the Group Two Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill on September 23 to follow this weekend’s assignment.
Jason Collett will be back aboard Bonny O’Reilly after spending a month on the sidelines because of back-to-back careless riding suspensions.
Baker was also upbeat about promising colt Addictive Nature’s audition for the Golden Rose (1400m) in the Group Three Stan Fox Stakes (1500m).
While the Run to the Rose (1200m) is considered the dress rehearsal for the Group One feature for three-year-olds, Addictive Nature stakes his claim over a longer distance looking for his third win in four starts.
“Addictive Nature looks in great order. His work on Tuesday was excellent and the 1500 should suit,” Baker said.
Addictive Nature is the Stan Fox favourite ahead of ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes third Trapeze Artist and Champagne Stakes winner The Mission.
