Oscar gets “perfect” run to win Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup

By Jonny Turner, HRNZ

25 September 2023

When the fastest horse in the race got the sweetest trip, there was only going to be one result in the Group 3 D G Jones Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup.

Despite starting from a 30m back mark, Olivia Thornley found the perfect sit one-one for Oscar Bonavena and he took full advantage of it when running away with the 2810m grass track feature.

Thornley should have been laughing to herself throughout the running when settling in such a sweet spot with her Group One winning star and she confirmed she just about was.

“I was really lucky to get into such a nice spot with him,” the reinswoman said.

“He is a very fast horse and it worked out perfectly.”

The sweet trip Oscar Bonavena got set up a perfect return for the trotter on all fronts.

First up from a spell, the horse was always going to improve with having a race.

“He definitely blew out the last 50m or so,” Thornley said.

“It was always going to be a race where I was going to drive him cold.”

“And it was great, everything just worked out perfect for him.”

As Sunday’s win showed, Oscar Bonavena has come up feeling well within himself ahead of what is sure to be a big spring and summer campaign.

“Everyone at the stable has been really happy with the way he has come up.”

Sunday’s victory was Thornley’s fourth a group level following her Group One win with No Matter Wat and two black type victories with Don’t Stop Dreaming.

The reinswoman has given Don’t Stop Dreaming two hit-outs at the trials recently and she has also been able to feel the power behind a New Zealand Cup contender.

“I am really lucky to have been able to drive these nice horses in these Group races as a junior driver.”

“I was lucky enough to drive Akuta at the trials recently, it was a huge thrill, he really is a special horse.”

Oscar Bonavena scored by half a length from Resolve, who went a big race after recovering from an early break.

I Dream Of Jeannie ran home well from last to take third.

Another junior reinswoman enjoyed a great day out at Motukarara on Sunday.

Mia Holbrough scored her first win in the sulky when Crazy N Love took out race 5.

Holborough was having just her fourth race day drive behind the mare trained by her employers, Greg and Nina Hope.