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Bonneval wins 2017 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks Group 1 NZ$300,000 at Trentham (NZ) 3yoFillies, 2400m.
Justifiable warm favourite, Bonneval was allowed to drift early and with a round run was second last, one off the fence. Around the far turn and starting down the back straight jockey Matthew Cameron remained patient until inside the 1200m where he made a sharp move and cruised up and around them to be midfield passing the 800m. They kept their momentum and at the 600m they were close in behind the leading group although five wide, then edged into third as they straightened. She levelled up to co-lead with 300m remaining, had a brief tussle then let down to outstay her opponents, having a half length to spare at the line for her third consecutive stakes win and fourth in seven starts.
From a handy fourth at the 800m, Honest filly Devise moved up three wide to be second turning in, took over the lead at the 400m, was challenged by Bonneval at the 300m and fought her gallantly for a tough half-length defeat. The first two had the finish to themselves.
Savvy Dreams was well back (rails) at the top of the straight, saw daylight at the 200m and ran on best of the rest to finish third.
Nicoletta had a lovely run through (rails) at the top of the straight and battled away for (3.8 lengths) fourth while Fashionably came out of the pack to finish the best of the rest for fifth.