
Trainer Jason Miller is confident that Bonjoy, the emerging star mare, can take the next step towards bigger goals later this year after a golden run this preparation.
Bonjoy will make her final appearance for the campaign in the Listed Detonator Stakes (1800m), and Miller is hopeful that she can finish on a high note as she wraps up a successful stint.
The five-year-old daughter of Maschino has elevated to another level this preparation and is starting to emerge as a strong Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) contender for Miller.
Possessing a brilliant turn of foot, Bonjoy gave further notice of her feature race potential at Ascot last Saturday when she claimed her third consecutive win. After her maiden stakes victory in the Starstruck Classic (1600m) and the Celebration Of Life Day Trophy (1500m), Bonjoy completed a hat trick in the Ascot Mile.
Miller hopes to maintain her momentum in the Detonator Stakes before allowing Bonjoy a well-deserved break ahead of the Ascot Pinnacles carnival.
“We’re looking at the Detonator and then give her a break for the carnival,” Miller told Racing WA. “She’ll have a longer break, about three or four months off, and then concentrate on the carnival.”
“Not many horses can win 11 from 18, and her record is pretty good. She has stepped up,” Miller added. “I think she can definitely mix it with the better class. She has gotten better each prep, and it’s exciting. It’s just good to have a horse that is capable of going to those races.”
While Bonjoy enjoys a rest after her summer campaign, another top horse in Miller’s stable, Admiration Express, will target three winter features. Admiration Express, runner-up in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) last December, is set to return to work in two weeks.
A triple stakes winner, the My Admiration mare will aim for the Belmont Sprint (1400m), the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), and the Strickland Stakes (2000m).
Meanwhile, Miller is still hopeful that Burnya To Survive will make a comeback. The Bradbury’s Luck gelding has been sidelined with injury and hasn’t raced since winning the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) two years ago.
“We’re doing our best to get him back, but he still has niggles with his hind foot,” Miller said. “We thought we nearly had him right to come back in, but hit a hurdle. We’re trying, but it’s been 2 ½ years, and we’ll get to a stage when time runs out.”
“We’re giving him every possible chance, and the door’s not shut, but there’s still a bit of work to do.”