Bonny O’Reilly back better than ever

Tom Baddock - Thursday August 24

Bonny O'Reilly is set to make her return to racing in Saturday's Fiig Handicap (1200m) at Randwick and Bjorn Baker believes the mare is in even better condition than last preparation.

Advertisement
Bonny O'Reilly is in great shape for Saturday's Fiig Handicap (1200m). Photo: Steve Hart

The daughter of O'Reilly proved to be the punters' pal when last in work claiming five successive victories in Sydney and Brisbane.

The five-year-old also lost no admirers in her two defeats when placed behind Prompt Response in the Group II Dane Ripper Stakes (1350m) after being caught wide, while again having no luck from her wide draw in Group I Tattersall's Tiara at her most recent start.

However, Bjorn Baker believes we will see an even better horse when the popular mare steps out on Saturday after a short let-up.

"Bonny O'Reilly is in tip-top order," Baker said. "I think she's come on from last preparation, she's in magnificent order."

The mare has been lumped with 59.5kg, the most she has carried in her career, however Bjorn is upbeat about her chances given she has a few other things in her favour.

"She has to overcome a little bit of weight but I think she is probably stronger than she's been and she looks well," Baker said.

"She's drawn ideally for her, she'll get a gun run just off the speed and she has a very good racing pattern that will help her.

"We won't know until she carries the weight but you can't worry about it and she'll go on to better races after this."

Bonny O'Reilly has had two soft trials in preparation for the Benchmark 95 event, which will be used as a lead-up for her return to stakes grade in the coming weeks.

"As much as anything she needs the run and two weeks later we'll look to go to the Sheraco Stakes," Baker said.

Stablemate Sir Plush will also contest the event, although barrier 10 is of some concern.

"Last time he got caught deep and that's the concern again on Saturday," Baker said.

"I think with gate Bonny has drawn you have to put her on top but if Sir Plush had drawn a gate there wouldn't be too much between them."

Bonny O'Reilly has drawn barrier one and is currently the $3.60 favourite with Ladbrokes while Sir Plush is next in the market at $6.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.