Bonneval thriving ahead of proposed Australian trip
Outstanding mare Bonneval is making good progress during the early stages of a new preparation that is hoped to see her cross the Tasman again.
The multiple Group 1 winner and reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year hasn’t raced since last spring after injury halted her proposed summer campaign.
“She’s had a couple of easy gallops and all going well she’ll trial at Te Teko in early August,” said Andrew Forsman, who trains the Makfi four-year-old with Murray Baker.
“She’s had the time to get over the injury and the joint looks spot on. She looks great and she’s strengthened and really thriving at the moment.”
Bonneval has only raced 12 times with her seven wins featuring the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m).
“She’s only lightly-raced, but she’s got a pretty impressive CV,” Forsman said. “Murray and the owners will have a talk after she trials and, if she comes through that well, they’ll set some serious plans – probably a similar path to last spring.”
The stable is also keen to see Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Jon Snow, Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Vin de Dance and Zabeel’s son Zacada cross the Tasman.
“All looks well with Jon Snow, he’s got over the niggling foot problems and Zacada was obviously runner-up in the Sydney Cup and we’ll look at the Melbourne Cup with him,” Forsman said.
“Vin de Dance will get over there again, he ran well (for fourth placings) in the Rosehill Guineas and the Australian Derby.”