Oscar Bonavena could put himself on the short list for an Australian tour later in the summer with an expected top performance in Auckland tonight.
The veteran is in fine heart according to Nathan and ready for the expected match with keen rival Muscle Mountain.
“He’s kept up his condition,very well. You might not see him so brilliant out of the gate as recently with a small gear change but he is ready to go”
Oscar and Don’t Stop Dreaming are likely to remain in the north with Mark leading to the Auckland feature meetings in March and both could be considered for Australia if they run up to expectations.
“Clearly there are a few things to be sorted before then but if Mark is happy with where they are at they could both go”
Nathan said.
Oscar had one previous trip to Australia in 2020 running fourth in the Great Southern Star before failing in the Dullard Cup but he is considered to be a better horse now than then.
“He is nearing the end of his career and at this stage a fast mile time would add to his bucket list and he should be competitive in the fields over there”