Oscar primed for one final Inter Dominion tilt

by Adam Hamilton

Oscar Bonavena has at least one more booming run in him.

Co-trainer Nathan Purdon said the nine-year-old “looked a million bucks” as the $500,000 Inter Dominion trotting final draws closer.

“I’m pleasantly surprised how good he is, especially after the two mistakes and the chasing he had to do the other night,” he said.

“I was just saying this morning how sound he is and how great he looks.

“He might have looked a bit showy last Saturday, but he’s spot on now.”

This time there is no worries about Oscar Bonavena’s growing aversion to front barrier draws.

Last week’s mistake saw him placed out of the draw and he will start from wide on the back row (he’s drawn 12, but will come into 11).

“It’s perfect really. He’ll get the chance to relax and find his rhythm,” Purdon said.

“You’d think the race will be run genuinely. There’s quite a few big chances and I’m sure the pace will be on and there will be some moves.

“We’d love the chance to drive him for absolute strength, that’s saving him for the last run at them. You know the speed he’s got when we can do that.”

Purdon expects this to be Oscar Bonavena’s last season of racing.

“What a marvel he’s been. To think he was almost retired as a four-year-old because of injury and here he is five years later in the Inter Dominion final,” he said.

“He’s still got his speed and even though he’s had so many issues and he’s come through this series so well.

“I’d love him to run a great race and everything says he will.”