Bonny O'Reilly is set to make her return to racing in Saturday's Fiig Handicap (1200m) at Randwick and Bjorn Baker believes the mare is in even better condition than last preparation.
The daughter of O'Reilly proved to be the punters' pal when last in work claiming five successive victories in Sydney and Brisbane.
The five-year-old also lost no admirers in her two defeats when placed behind Prompt Response in the Group II Dane Ripper Stakes (1350m) after being caught wide, while again having no luck from her wide draw in Group I Tattersall's Tiara at her most recent start.
However, Bjorn Baker believes we will see an even better horse when the popular mare steps out on Saturday after a short let-up.
"Bonny O'Reilly is in tip-top order," Baker said. "I think she's come on from last preparation, she's in magnificent order."
The mare has been lumped with 59.5kg, the most she has carried in her career, however Bjorn is upbeat about her chances given she has a few other things in her favour.
"She has to overcome a little bit of weight but I think she is probably stronger than she's been and she looks well," Baker said.
"She's drawn ideally for her, she'll get a gun run just off the speed and she has a very good racing pattern that will help her.
"We won't know until she carries the weight but you can't worry about it and she'll go on to better races after this."
Bonny O'Reilly has had two soft trials in preparation for the Benchmark 95 event, which will be used as a lead-up for her return to stakes grade in the coming weeks.
"As much as anything she needs the run and two weeks later we'll look to go to the Sheraco Stakes," Baker said.
Stablemate Sir Plush will also contest the event, although barrier 10 is of some concern.
"Last time he got caught deep and that's the concern again on Saturday," Baker said.
"I think with gate Bonny has drawn you have to put her on top but if Sir Plush had drawn a gate there wouldn't be too much between them."
Bonny O'Reilly has drawn barrier one and is currently the $3.60 favourite with Ladbrokes while Sir Plush is next in the market at $6.
