‘Gut feel’ gets trainer back in the winner’s circle

Harness racing training is an artform and a science but with a good measure of old-fashioned “gut feel”, and for Melbourne trainer Brandon Bonavia that was the key to turning around the form of his family favorite, Royal Cadence (Bettors Delight).

“There was a change of season, and she got really crook last year,” Bonavia said.

“She looked good and was eating up everything, but she just wasn’t performing at the races. We did some blood tests, and they weren’t bad.  But deep down I knew she could do better than she was,” he said.

“I just decided it was best to turn her out and let nature take its course.”

And now the seven-year-old mare, known around the stables as “Casey ”, is repaying the passionate Melton South hobby trainer with two wins from her past three outings.

Bonavia said he saw “Casey” advertised for sale around 12 months ago, and she brought quick results, winning three of her first six for her new stable.

“I was just looking for an honest horse. She’d run some nice races so my wife Mell, her parents Joe and Helen Farrugia and myself become the ownership group,” he said.

“She’s the only one I train. I’m a big believer in one on one and I’ve changed her training regime a little to include a fair bit of swimming. She loves it and it just takes the pressure off her legs.”

Thirty-one-year-old Bonavia, who trains at a nearby Toolern Vale property with Shane Hoban and a few other mates, has recorded five wins and two placings from 18 starts with Royal Cadence.

Her recent purple patch of form started with a Maryborough win on January 3, then went down by a neck in a heat of the Hygain Cranbourne 7000 nine days later.

Royal Cadence was well backed from $13 into $7.50 from a plumb barrier one draw in the final on January 26 and finished determinedly for reinswoman Jodi Quinlan after a nice sit behind the leader.

“She’s going very good at the moment. I may start her at Warragul next Sunday because she’s won there before,” Bonavia said.

“We’ve got six boys under nine and they absolutely love ‘Casey’. They come out to the stables and brush her up and give her plenty of pats.

“Mell used to do pony club when she was young. She enjoys horses, but she’s pretty full on with the children.”

Bonavia has been involved with horses all his life and started out helping well-known Cranbourne trainer Jayne Davies in the school holidays.

“Later on, I worked for Brent Lilley and Adam Kelly. I was also with a galloping stable for a while. I’ve learnt so much from working with these people. I love the sport and the fun that goes with it. I’ve got a bit of a reputation for my loud screaming and jumping when I cheer for our horses.

“I probably don’t get as loud as (Maryborough trainer) Katrina ‘Smiley’ Fitzpatrick, but there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of emotion!”

Bonavia started training in 2011/12 and despite having very few runners in some seasons, has landed 16 winners.

“I work four days a week at the FeedPlus Stockfeed store at Darley (near Bacchus Marsh) and spend as much time as I can with the family, so I’m pretty busy,” he said.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink