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.
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 |
