No joy for Redoute's Choice in the Victoria Derby with the
favourite Hampton Court but it didn't take long for the champion Arrowfield
stallion to bounce back as his daughter Bonaria came with a barnstorming finish
to capture the $500,000 Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Given plenty of time to settle by Michael Rodd, Bonaria came
with a withering run to down the Sydneysiders Sweet Idea and Catkins.(photos Lisa Grimm)
Without a win since capturing the Group III Mannerism Stakes
and Group III Schweppervescence Trophy in successive starts in March, Bonaria
takes her overall record to 8 wins, 3 seconds and 6 thirds from 40 starts foe earnings
of $907,569.
"She is one of my favourites, I've had some very good fillies
but she's very special," winning trainer Pat Hyland said.
"Not that she's probably as good as them, but she tries
harder than any horse I've ever had.
"It's so fantastic for (owners) Robert and Deb Anderson,
they have been with me for many, many years it's their first Group 1 so it's
something very special because they're great friends of ours."
Michael Rodd said the 6yo daughter of Redoute's Choice was
deserving of a Group 1 win.
"She's a horse that
has been racing without luck her last few starts," Rodd said.
"Today we just went back form a pretty average barrier and
that's the way to ride her.
"She's just so honest. Every time she shows up she's in the
top four in the finish.
"She's got a brilliant turn of foot."
Foaled and raised at Widden Stud for her owner/breeders
Robert and Deborah Anderson, Bonaria is a half-sister to Group III winners Time
Out and Legally Bay out of the top producing Last Tycoon (IRE) mare Decidity
who has had just one foal, the 2yo Stratum filly Splendido in the last five
seasons.
She was covered by Stratum again last spring.
Bonaria becomes the 26th Group 1 winner for
Redoute's Choice who is covering his 15th book of mares at
Arrowfield Stud this spring at a fee of $110,000.
