Bon Hoffa wins Bobbie Lewis back-to-back

Cranbourne trainer Wendy Kelly wiped away tears of joy as Bon Hoffa resurrected his career and became the first horse to win the Group Three Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington in successive years.

"I can't speak," Kelly said, trying to regain her composure after the chestnut scored a thrilling win in a four-way finish in the 1200m feature.

Bob Hoffa's career was at the crossroads after he had an adverse reaction to the equine influenza vaccine which prematurely ended his campaign last spring and flattened him for the autumn.

Kelly was hopeful he would recapture his best form this campaign but wanted to see him actually do it before declaring he was back.

"The autumn was just heartbreaking," Kelly said.

In four autumn starts, Bon Hoffa struggled home each time near the back of the field after winning eight of his previous 15 starts.

Kelly said Bon Hoffa was disinterested in racing last campaign and showed it in his mannerisms on race day when he paraded with his head down and he was reluctant to go into the barriers.

Jockey Vlad Duric picked up the positive signs immediately when he mounted the horse on Saturday and took him around to the barriers.

"There were signs to say he was back to his best and you can see what he can do when he's on-song," Duric said.

"He was very relaxed and walked straight into the barriers whereas last preparation he was jacking up a bit."

Kelly said it was all about Bon Hoffa regaining his reputation as a quality galloper.

"I just wanted to see him to do it for him," Kelly said.

"He is just a sensational horse and a beautiful horse to be around."

Bon Hoffa is a six-year-old entire and Saturday's win undoubtedly helped him as a prospective sire.

Last year he won the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield and he will attempt to win the race for the second time on September 20.

Duric, who turns 31 on Sunday, said Bon Hoffa had given him a "nice birthday present".

"He's an amazing horse when he's right," Duric said. "When he stretches out he can really cover ground.

"Today he was able to get into his rhythm although he did get held up a little bit when Orange County came under his neck.

"He he did a good job to pick himself up and win the race."

The official winning margin was a head, with Bon Hoffa edging out South Australian sprinter Grand Duels and Orange County who was a nose way third.

Publishing, who raced on the pace all the way, fought on bravely to finish a further neck away in fourth place.