While trips to Sydney have yet to be committed to 100 per cent, the odds of the
pair clashing again in the $A1 million Gr.1 Australian Oaks at Randwick on
April 8 are shortening."The owners are keen and we've got a few more days yet – if she goes over it will be next Monday," said Andrew Forsman, who prepares Saturday's Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks winner Bonneval with Murray Baker.
"She has come through the race well. She looks good and is eating up and she's pretty bright."
Bonneval's defeat of Devise at Trentham completed a hat-trick of wins for the Makfi filly, who had previously been successful in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic and the Gr.3 Lowland Stakes.
Her run of form also secured her the title of NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year.
"Bonneval has had the edge on us all the way through so it's been frustrating for our stable, but we are inching closer to her," Devise's trainer Shaune Ritchie said.
Devise was third in both the Sir Tristram and the Lowland before coming up a half a length short in the Oaks when runner-up.
"At this stage we're preparing her for the ATC Oaks, we think there is one more in her this preparation," Ritchie said.
"She's come home and eaten up, but any sign of fatigue in the next few days and we'll pull the pin." – NZ Racing Desk.
