Oscar Bonavena cruises to Menangle win

Outstanding New Zealand trotter Oscar Bonavena (Majestic Son) served notice of his current form when he outclassed his harness racing rivals to win the DM Plumbing Trotters Mobile at Menangle last night.

Having his first start in Sydney since winning the Cranbourne Trotters Cup two weeks ago Oscar Bonavena was sent out a short priced favourite.

OSCAR BONAVENA FEB 22 REPLAY

From his wide draw driver Greg Sugars stayed wide early. Hanover Da Moon who scored an upset win last week went to the lead but surrendered when joined by Oscar Bonavena who had to do a bit of work in getting to the front.

Local star Constantinople who was in line for a hat trick was also caught wide but didn’t have the speed to match Oscar Bonavena and he was forced to race outside the leader.

Despite having a hard run in front, Oscar Bonavena packed too many guns and with Greg Sugars shaking him up in the home straight he was never threatened defeating Constantinople by five metres with Hanover Da Moon holding on for third.

London to A Brick who was resuming was doing his best work in finishing fourth and the pleasing aspect of his run was that he trotted faultlessly for the whole trip. Trainer James Rattray has had a range of issues with London To A Brick but if he stays sound he can match the very best on his day.

Oscar Bonavena is in Sydney to tackle the Group 1 $100,000 Hammerhead Mile for trotters on 8 March and already this looks to be an intriguing clash with tearaway speedster The Locomotive and the Victorian Keayang Chucky who continues to improve in leaps and bounds.

Oscar Bonavena is renowned for his brilliant sprint and he will be suited by the conditions of the race. He’s certainly capable of going quicker than his winning time of 1.53.5 seconds for the mile. And with last night’s effort showed that he will relish the Menangle Circuit.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink