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...
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
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.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.