Rethink puts NZ Group Ones on Bonneval’s programme

Breednet - Thursday February 22
A change of plans will see New Zealand's top mare Bonneval make two NZ appearances before her Sydney autumn campaign.

BonnevalThe high-class daughter of Makfi was originally to have headed straight to Australia to resume in Saturday week's Gr.1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m).

The Randwick mile will also mark the reappearance of Winx, but Bonneval's connections said her presence didn't influence their programming.

"No, not at all. It's more of a matter of getting the groundwork into her with what's to come later on," said Andrew Forsman, who trains with Murray Baker.

Bonneval will instead run in the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m) at Hawke's Bay this Saturday with the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) to follow a fortnight later.

"Matt Cameron will be riding her and I'd imagine he'd be sticking with her for Ellerslie," Forsman said.

The multiple Group One winner Bonneval hasn't raced since she was unplaced on a hard track in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

"We're really happy with her and Matt rode her when she trialled at Taupo the other day and it was very similar to her trial there before she went to Melbourne in the spring," Forsman said.

"Taupo is a tight track and she's a big-striding mare, Hastings will suit her a lot better.

"Matt galloped her yesterday morning and he was really happy and said she had come on a lot."

The Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 24 will open Bonneval's Sydney campaign.

"Then there's the BMW (Tancred) and the Queen Elizabeth, it's up to the owners and what Winx is up to, but there's a few options for her over there," Forsman said.– NZ Racing Desk.
Advertisment
More Reading...
Bonneval named NZ Horse of the Year
Bonneval’s victory in Saturday’s Group II Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes was surpassed when the mare was named New Zealand Horse Of The Year at a function in Auckland on Sunday.
Talented So You Think Mare Goes Two for Two
So You Think is setting the pace for winners this season as we head into October and one of those promising winners is talented four year-old mare Enamorada, who made it two win as many starts when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday as favouurite.
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
First Win for Storm Boy Half-Brother by Pierro
Progressive Pierro colt Shangri La Boy is a very different horse to his older half-brother Storm Boy and while that Group winning colt is covering his first book of mares at Coolmore this spring, this fellow is on his way with an impressive maiden win at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.