Darwin trainer Jason Manning is enjoying a wonderful period with five-year-old gelding Bon’s Pride.
The son of Bon Aurum continued his good form when he outclassed BM76 opposition over 1200m at Fannie Bay on Saturday.
That made it two wins and three seconds from his past five starts, which included victory in the $50,000 Magic Millions Top End Classic (1300m) on Darwin Cup Day in early August with 62.5kg.
With Noir De Rue, whom Manning regarded as the best horse he has ever trained, recently retiring, it hasn’t taken Bon’s Pride long to fill the void as the stable star.
Noir De Rue, who carried the big weights due to a high rating, had his last start as a 10-year-old when 10th in the Darwin Cup (2050m).
The son of Blackfriars finished third in the 2021 Darwin Cup and his win in last year’s Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) during Cup Carnival was spectacular.
Ridden by Manning’s partner Vanessa Arnott and starting as the $3.30 favourite with online bookmakers, Bon’s Pride missed the start on Saturday, but recovered and only three lengths separated the six-horse field passing the 900m.
Gary Clarke’s Mr Cashman – returning after 11 months – held a narrow lead over stablemates Doc O’Connor and Siakam.
Bon’s Pride and Phil Cole’s Tubthumper were close by approaching the final bend.
Turning for home, Bon’s Pride again produced good finishing speed to sit outside Mr Cashman and Siakam at the 200m before saluting by 1.2 lengths.
Siakam, victorious in an open 1200m handicap six weeks ago, was second, while former Darwin Guineas winner Tubthumper pipped Mr Cashman for third.
For Bon’s Pride to be considered a serious contender for next year’s Palmerston Sprint (1200m) has merit.
Purchased by Manning and the On Fire Racing syndicate at the 2023 Darwin Magic Millions Select Tried Horse Sale, Bon’s Pride boasts five wins and five seconds from 12 Fannie Bay starts.
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