Bonaria had to overcome a tardy getaway before gaining a dream run in the straight  to win the Group 3 $150,000 Premier Signs Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield today.

Bonaria cruises to the line to win the Mannerism Stakes. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Winning jockey Michael Rodd’s heart was in his mouth when Bonaria went down on her nose as the gates open but the Pat Hyland trained filly was able to pick herself up and put herself back into the race.

“She just hesitated a little bit and my heart sunk for a second cause I wanted to try and be a little bit closer, she picked the bridle up,” Rodd said.

Rodd knew Bonaria likes to have a lot of galloping room and he couldn’t believe his luck coming to the home turn when the field spread out as a lot of the riders started to search wide runs.

“It changed complexion at the half mile, I went from being in a sticky spot three back the fence, which she normally gets into, she doesn’t have a lot of gate speed, to having all of the galloping room in the world,” Rodd said.

“I didn’t want to push the button too soon so I just used her up a little bit to get up behind the leader.”

Rodd was happy to stick to the fence and when the gap open up Bonaria ($4.80 favourite) did the rest to score a one length win over $20 chance Hazard with Hi Belle ($10) finishing off nicely for third.

The Chris Waller trained Arinosa, second favourite at $5, was always at the tail of the field and could only beat one runner home in the run to the line.

Winning trainer Pat Hyland was pleased that Bonaria could finally win another Group 3 race after running some good races recently without collecting the major prize.

The Redoute’s Choice mare was successful in the Group 3 $150,000 Schweppervescence Trophy (1600m) at Flemington almost twelve months ago and Hyland said that she deserved that win today after showing some consistent form.

“She is pretty special. She has been a great little mare,” Hyland said.