Bonella Chases First Group Win in Cup
- Monday, 17 February 2003 00:00
The AAMI Launceston Cup has been Ascanas main mission this preparation and Bonella said the gelding has had a faultless preparation going into the race to be run on the Mowbray circuit on February 26.
Ascana has had four starts this preparation and while he has not won, Bonella is adamant the gelding has what it takes to produce her first Group win.
"Ascana has been aimed at the AAMI Launceston Cup from day one of this preparation and I couldnt be happier with what hes done at every start heading to the Launceston race," Bonella said.
Ascana will have his final hit-out for the AAMI Launceston Cup in the Mornington Cup on Wednesday and Bonella said the gelding does not have to win that race to earn a trip across Bass Strait.
"I am confident Ascana will run a big race in the Mornington Cup, but he doesnt particularly have to win it to warrant a trip to Tassie," she said.
Ascana began his career with Brian Mayfield-Smith but after one start for that trainer, a seventh in a maiden, the gelding was transferred to Bonellas stables.
"The horse had a problem with being boxed in a small confinement, so the owners opted to send the horse to me because of my more open stabling set-up and he won at his first four starts for me.
"He went on to win the Moe Cup, ran second in the Werribee Cup and was second to Hatha Anna in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, but he damaged a tendon at his subsequent start in the Warrnambool Cup and was sent to the paddock for six months.
"He has fully recovered from the tendon injury and I can hardly wait for the AAMI Launceston Cup," the trainer said.
Ascana was an encouraging second to Arena Valadora at his most recent start in a 2000m handicap at Flemington last Sunday week and will meet that horse one kilogram better at the weights in the AAMI Launceston Cup for being beaten one-and-three-quarter lengths.
Media Release - AAMI Launceston Cup
