$500 Weanling Becomes First SW for Her Sire!

Media Release - Sunday February 2

Bonita Aurelia (NZ) cost only $500 as a weanling at the 2018 Karaka May Sale, but on Saturday she scored a valuable victory in the $70,000 Group 3 Woburn Farm 2YO Classic (1200m) at New Plymouth becoming the first stakes-winner  for her sire Sweynesse, a son of champion sire Lonhro.

$500 purchase Bonita Aurelia is a stakes-winner!

A close fifth on debut at Ellerslie in October, Bonita Aurelia lined up for only the second start of her career in Saturday’s two-year-old feature. Ridden by Danielle Johnson for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, the filly surged relentlessly out of midfield for a long neck victory over fellow Karaka graduate Piaggio (NZ) (Vespa).

Bonita Aurelia has now earned $44,290 in stakes – more than 88 times her purchase price. She is raced by Greg Trestrail in partnership with former Olympian Sonia Waddell.

“She’s been a promising filly right through, although she was late-scratched at Te Rapa when she didn’t go into the gates,” Baker said.

“We’ve had to blindfold her and play around, but the funny thing is she might be the quietest horse we’ve got. We thought she was a big chance today.”

Runner-up Piaggio was only slightly more expensive at $8,000 in Book 3 of Karaka 2019. He has now earned $24,250.

Vendor Wentwood Grange
Purchaser Mr AG & Mrs CM Trestrail
Breeding Sweynesse – Cassie May
Sale Lot 108, 2018 Karaka May Sale, $500
Bred by The Christopher Investment Trust
Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Thursday December 26
Here is the full list of 106 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
First SW for Charlotte Littlefield a Bonus for Yarramalong Park
Racing.com mounting yard expert Charlotte Littlefield broke new ground as a trainer on Boxing Day when producing her first stakes-winner with progressive mare Regal Vow taking out the Listed MRC Lord Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield.
Ten Sovereigns Filly Wins Listed NZB Insurance Stakes
Progressive filly Pivotal Ten completed an impressive hattrick of victories when she proved too tough on a testing Heavy 10 Wingatui surface to capture the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m).
So You Think Filly On Track for Magic Millions 3YO Guineas
She’s currently second favourite for the $3million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast on January 11 and lightly raced So You Think filly Tuileries took an important step towards that goal when scoring a scintillating win at Randwick on Boxing Day.
Magic Millions Order of Entry Updated – Blue Point Fillies on the Rise
After a busy weekend of racing, the Magic Millions order of entry for the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas have been given a shake up with two fillies by Blue Point (IRE), a stallion that has had a mixed reception Australia, shooting into contention for the big day at the Gold Coast on January 11.
Yaldi Wins G2 Auckland Guineas on Protest - Full Brother for K1
In a blockbuster edition of the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m), outsider Midnight Edition and favoured runner Yaldi went to the line as one, with the latter securing the Boxing Day feature in a protest.
Te Akau Select Damask Rose for NZB Kiwi Slot
The owners of Damask Rose have been given a late Christmas present, with Te Akau Racing selecting the exciting filly to represent their slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8.
Tavi Arrives in Time to Win G3 Summer Cup
Talented five-year-old Tavi Time edged out Osipenko in a thrilling finish to the Gr.3 Summer Cup (2000m) at Randwick on Boxing Day.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday December 24
Here is the full list of 9 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Boxing Day Interest at Ellerslie
Osteria was only upstaged by his talented older stablemate last time out, and back in his own age group, the gelding will be a contender in Thursday’s Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie.