Baker says scans on Caulfield Cup contender Bonneval are all clear

Ben Dorries - Thursday October 19

Murray Baker says scans on Bonneval, ordered by stewards, have come back all clear and Kerrin McEvoy also expects the Kiwi mare will take her spot in the Caulfield Cup.

Advertisement
Kiwi trainer Murray Baker says Bonneval scans have come back all clear Photo: Darryl Sherer

"Apparently she was as good as gold (in the scans) and there were no abnormalities," Baker said, after McEvoy had worked Bonneval again at Flemington on Thursday morning.

"I am a little bit surprised as to all the attention as if she was sore we wouldn't persevere with her.

"When you pull a horse straight out of the box and its been standing there for seven hours, obviously it's stiff for a start. That's why they have warm ups for."

Baker is convinced the mare, the drifting $8.50 third favourite in latest markets, is fine to run in the Caulfield Cup despite suffering cuts to her offside hind leg and being found to be lame in her near side leg after Saturday's Group I Caulfield Stakes.

However she will still have to pass an RV vet inspection later on Thursday before being given the green light to line up in the Caulfield Cup.

Bonneval and Baker's other Caulfield Cup contender Jon Snow both worked on the dirt over 1400m at Flemington on Thursday morning.

McEvoy said Bonneval was sound in her action and is expecting her to run well on Saturday.

"She seems free as a bell in my opinion and was happy coming off the track," McEvoy said.

"I've been happy with her, I had a canter on her yesterday and then this morning I just did some nice striding work.

"I'd be surprised if she is not right to take her spot in the field."

McEvoy was asked whether RV vets had taken into consideration his opinion when assessing Bonneval.

"I'm not too sure, I haven't been asked," he said.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Monday November 24
Here is the full list of 15 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Jenny Graham Couldn't Be Happier with Captivant!
Captivant’s first crop son Vantorix made an immediate impact at Taree yesterday, producing a professional and dominant performance to win the National Thoroughbred Week Maiden Plate (1005m) by two and a half lengths on debut.
Third Season Judgement Day
When the oldest progeny of a stallion turn four there is nowhere left to hide so a look at the third season sire table at the end of spring can be an interesting one when we take it conjunction with what will be happening at the sales in 2026.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Just the two heats for juveniles at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning and we saw winners by first season sire Home Affairs and the reigning champion sire Zoustar.
Tattersalls December Foal Sale Day 1 -First Season Sires Impress
The four-day Tattersalls December Foal Sale got off to a solid start with two lots by first season sires DRAGON SYMBOL and SHAQUILLE jointly heading proceedings at 75,000 guineas and increases in the turnover, median, average and clearance rate from the equivalent day in 2024.
Closer Look at an Unexpected Success
He is the leading sire of 3YOs so far this season and is set to have a huge impact on the yearling sales of 2026, so we are taking a closer look at this stalwart sire, whose long term impact is only just beginning.
Cambridge Stud Mare Chasing Elusive Stakes Win
Cambridge Stud mare Jaarffi posted yet another stakes placing over the weekend, and trainer Lance Noble is hoping she can be rewarded for her consistency with an elusive black-type victory over summer.
Foals and Yearlings Highlighted for Breednet Premium Stallions
With the foaling season drawing to an end for 2025 and the yearling sales season upon us Breednet have launched a new addition to our Premium stallion pages with a carousel arrangement now available to highlight foals born this spring or yearlings for the 2026 sales.
425,000 Guinea Frankel Colt Tops Tattersalls December Yearlings
It's the start of a big fortnight of sales in the UK with Tattersalls December kicking off overnight with the yearling session to be followed later this week by Foals and then next week the stellar Mares will be offered, a sale that produced reigning Australian Horse of the Year Via Sistina (IRE) in 2023.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday November 25
Here is the full list of 22 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.