Alwyn Park-bred graduate Bonjoy had been knocking on the door for a Stakes victory and it finally came to pass in a pulsating finish to the LR Starstruck Classic (1600m) on Saturday.

Bonjoy became the 7th individual black-type winner for Alwyn Park resident Maschino (Encosta de Lago) when she ran down pacemaker Own The Queen (Awesome Rock) by a nose.  Miss Skyhigh (Harry Angel) was just pipped into third place another long-head in arrears.

The Ascot cliff-hanger was a just reward for Bonjoy following her last start placing in the LR Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m) a fortnight earlier when storming home for third behind The Boss Lady and Antique Miss.

“She’s a serious mare and deserved a black type win,” trainer Jason Miller declared.  “She’s got a lot to give and is still on the way up.”

Bonjoy (5m Maschino – Amity Belle by Snitzel) had won four in a row at Northam, Bunbury and Ascot (2) earlier this year and will now clash with Group 1 stablemate Admiration Express (My Admiration) in the G3 La Trice Classic (1800m) on New Year’s Day.

“They’re like twins.  They were broken in together, used to be in the paddock together and early on I always rated Bonjoy better,” Miller added.  “She’s starting to get the runs on the board and the way she hit the line today indicates the La Trice Classic will really suit.”

Bonjoy was bred and sold by Alwyn Park owner John Andrew for $60,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions.  She is raced by Miller’s wife Sarah in a partnership that includes Coral Park Stud’s Kath Money and Fred Fairthorne (Jnr) who has raced numerous Stakes winners with trainer Dan Morton topped by 2009 Australian Horse of the Year Scenic Blast (Scenic).

She descends from 1993 LR Burgess Queen Stakes winner Prayerful (Don’t Say Halo) who was big-ticket yearling purchase for Sir Ernest Lee-Steere in Sydney to offset a particularly rewarding season with his homebred Cheraw (Ire) classic winner Heroicity in the 1991-92 Australian Derby, STC BMW and WA Derby.

Bonjoy is the first foal from Amity Belle (Snitzel) who is an unraced half-sister to 2017 LR Sheila Gwynne Classic (1400m) winner Dendee (Denman).  Her second Audio Boy (Sessions) won again at Ascot in October for owner Geoff Bull and the 12yo mare has a 2yo colt and a colt on the ground by Maschino who were both bred by Coral Park.

Other successful black-type members of the immediate family include G1 Vinery Stud Stakes winner Montoya’s Secret (High Chaparral) and G2 Auckland Cup winner Delago’s Secret (Encosta De Lago).