Le Bonsir A Winning Chance In Sir John Monash Stakes

Le Bonsir has not recorded a race win since he took out the Drummond Golf Stakes (1200m) at the start of his 2013 Spring Racing Carnival campaign, but trainer Mick Price is confident that the consistent sprinter can return to winning form in the 2014 John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trainer Mick Price believes that Le Bonsir is capable of recording a maiden win at Group level when he contests the 2014 John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trainer Mick Price believes that Le Bonsir is capable of recording a maiden win at Group level when he contests the 2014 John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Le Bonsir started his autumn preparation with a narrow second behind It Is Written in the Listed Abell Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 12 and performed well in both the Pink Ribbon Cup (1200m) at Caulfield on April 12 and the All Victorian Sprint Series (1100m) at Flemington on May 10 before finished a close second once again in the Listed The Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington on May 24.

The Choisir gelding was well-backed in the lead-up to the Best Tote Plus Handicap (1200m) at Moonee Valley on May 24, but was blocked for a run in the final stages of the race and could finish no better than fourth behind Pillar Of Creation.

Price told Racing Ahead that he has been happy with the form of Le Bonsir this campaign and he is confident that the six-year-old has the talent to upset the likes of Lord Of The Sky, Riziz and African Pulse in the John Monash Stakes this weekend.

“He is a lovely horse to train, own and race,” Price said.

“It has been a while since he has actually saluted and a big case could be made that he should have won his last start, but the circumstances in following Elite Elle didn’t work for us.

“He is going really well and there should be speed from outside and inside.

“He will have the run of the race just off them and the track is in a beautiful range for him.

“He is really well, fit and he gets his chance to win a nice race.”

Le Bonsir was placed in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, but he is yet to breakthrough for a victory at Group level.

Lord Of The Sky remains a clear favourite in 2014 John Monash Stakes betting markets at a quote of $2.40, while Le Bonsir ($5) is on the second line of betting for the Group 3 event along with the well-backed Riziz ($5).

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.