It was a big go and the punters got the cash in the last at Doomben on Saturday when Bonny O'Reilly burst away with the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m).
Bjorn Baker's four-year-old mare made it three from three this campaign and extended her winning streak to five with a dominant 1-1/4 length victory over the Mark Newnham-trained Selita ($16) with Matt Smith's Palazzo Pubblico ($16) hitting the line gamely a further neck back in third.
Jason Collet used barrier two to land in the box-seat and when leader Slumber Party drifted away from the rail on the turn, Bonny O'Reilly ($2.10 fav) showed her customary turn of foot to put the issue beyond doubt.
"I could see that leader under a little bit of pressure rounding the bend," Collett told Sky Racing.
"She was starting to wobble so, she left it open and I was straight in there.
"They've been placing her perfectly. She's picked-up some black type now so it's onwards and upwards from now."
The Baker stable will aim upwards with the $1 million Group I Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) a lofty ambition for seven days' time.
"We're very hopeful she'll get a penalty," stable foreman Jack Bruce said.
"The way she put them away today with something up her sleeve. If she comes through in good order we'll be there.
"When she quickens it's something special to watch. Hopefully she can step up to the big time next week.
"She's improved so much this preparation that if she gets a run it's hard to pass up."
Despite not being guaranteed a start, Sportsbet have trimmed Bonny O'Reilly's 'all-in' Stradbroke quote into $10 – fifth in line of betting behind $4 favourite Clearly Innocent.
