Speedy filly Bon Bonito posted the first win for Bon Hoffa as an odds-on favourite at Devonport on Sunday.

The Barry Campbell-trained filly led from barrier rise and gave her rivals a galloping lesson in the Hygain Maiden Plate (1150m).  With leading jockey Brendon McCoull enjoying an armchair ride, she won by two lengths from Sendero (Gonski) and Genuine Lad (Ladoni).

Campbell’s sister-in-law Denise Martin purchased the winner on behalf of a Star Thoroughbreds syndicate last year.  She was sold by Brooklyn Lodge studmaster Allan Howard and – at $55,000 – was second on the leader-board at the 2012 Tasmanian Magic Millions.

Bon Bonito (2f Bon Hoffa – Antonia’s Gold by Geiger Counter) had shown ability from day one and was always destined to win races according to Campbell.  “She did well first-up at Launceston a fortnight ago and was only run down late,” he said.  “I left it up to Brendon but he said she would cross them today and be too good.

“She’s a sensible filly but we had to tip her out a couple of times because she wasn’t quite there mentally.  I’m sending her out for another spell this week and she can come back for the three year-old fillies races.  I think she can get a mile next season.”

Bon Hoffa is a son of Belong To Me (Danzig) and was a Group 1 winner of the 2007 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.  He also claimed back-to-back editions of the G3 Bobbie Lewis Quality down the straight-six at Flemington.

He retired to Riverdene Stud in 2009 but was then relocated to Bowness Stud which is situated 10km west of Young in NSW.  Since the move, he has covered an average of over 160 mares in each of his last three books at an $8,800 (inc gst) fee.

Bon Hoffa will be joined at Bowness this year by Frankel’s three-quarter brother Bullet Train (Sadler’s Wells).

– Karl Patterson