But it has had to show patience for the four-year-old gelding’s breakthrough moment.
And it finally arrived at Kilmore on Sunday when Bon Shadow — rated a $6.50 chance by the bookies — saluted in the $35,000 Beraldo Coffee Maiden Plate over 1200 m.
Jockey Dylan Dunn arguably couldn’t have asked for a better start as Bon Shadow charged to the lead at the 1000 m mark.
And from there, Dunn and his only ride of the day couldn’t be stopped.
When challenged Bon Shadow simply kicked it up a gear to finish almost two lengths clear of Jamella, with Kiani a further length back to round out the trifecta.
Mick Johnstone said he was pleased to see the horse deliver on so much potential.
“We’ve had to teach him to relax because he’s a nervous type,” he said.
“His preparation in the lead up to this race had been really pleasing. We ran him over 1000 m at Echuca earlier this month and then took him up to 1350 m at Wangaratta, where he got tired towards the end of the race.
“He tired at the finish on Sunday, but I think the 1200 m is a good distance for him.
“I think the more he races the better he is going to be for our stable.”
Bon Shadow has now had 10 starts in 2020, his first year of racing, with the Johnstones continuing to take a patient approach.
That has included the gelding’s racing make-up with the blinkers making a return on Sunday.
“In the past he’s had a habit of overracing when he has worn those, so it was nice to see a change in form,” Johnstone said.
“He jumped well and ran along really nicely. Hopefully this is the start of a really good run of form.”
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