Racing: Fillies take fight to Sydney

The connections of Bonneval are keen for the New Zealand Oaks winner to race in Sydney. Photo / Race Images

Bonneval and Devise are likely to continue their rivalry on Australian soil.

While trips to Sydney have yet to be committed to 100 per cent, the odds of of a clash in the A$1 million Group 1 Australian Oaks at Randwick on April 8 are shortening.

"The owners are keen and we've got a few more days yet " if she goes over it will be next Monday," said Andrew Forsman, who prepares New Zealand Oaks winner Bonneval with Murray Baker.

"She has come through the race well. She looks good and is eating up and she's pretty bright."

Bonneval's defeat of Devise at Trentham on Saturday completed a hat-trick for the Makfi filly, who had earlier won the Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic and the Lowland Stakes.

Her run of form also secured her the title of NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

"Bonneval has had the edge on us all the way through so it's been frustrating but we are inching closer," Devise's trainer Shaune Ritchie said.

Devise was third in the Sir Tristram and the Lowland before coming up a half a length short in the Oaks when runner-up.

"At this stage we're preparing her for the ATC Oaks, we think there is one more in her this preparation," Ritchie said. "She's come home and eaten up, but any sign of fatigue in the next few days and we'll pull the pin."

- NZ Racing Desk