I have always dreamt about this!

“I HAVE always dreamt about this!”

That was the expression of joy from trainer Brandon Bonavia following Diamond Grace’s victory tonight.

Causing an upset at $23.90 on the Tote, Diamond Grace captured the opening event at Tabcorp Park Melton to provide Bonavia with his initial success at the venue.

Having prepared trotters in Malta before moving to Australia more than a decade ago, Bonavia is located in Melton.

“This is my first winner in Melton,” Bonavia said. “I have always dreamt about this!

“Ever since the track opened I have wanted to win a race here.

“I’m over the moon…absolutely rapt.”

Driven a treat by John Justice, Diamond Grace began well from barrier four to be settled behind the hot favourite Rockingwithsierra which led from the pole.

Angled away from the pegs at the top of the home straight, the daughter of Art Major sprinted to a three-and-a-half metre win from Rockingwithsierra, with After Lunch eight-and-a-half metres away third.

Having her second run from a four-month break, Diamond Grace rated 1:56.9 over 1720 metres.

“She has come back feeling good, put on a lot of condition and feeling stronger this time in,” Bonavia said. “She has been working well at home, but I didn’t think she could beat the favourite.

“Big wraps to John he did everything perfectly and drove just how I wanted.”