Trainer Pat Hyland has had some good fillies pass through his stable, but none more special than Myer Classic winner Bonaria.

The former Melbourne Cup winning jockey prepared a Victoria Oaks winner in Saleous and a smart galloper in Ballet Society, but Bonaria is a special mare.

Ridden by Michael Rodd, Bonaria ($26) scored by a length from Sweet Idea ($6.50) with Catkins ($7.50) a half-head away third.

Bonaria is raced by long-time stable clients - but more importantly long-time friends - Robert and Deb Anderson and it provided them with their first Group One victory.

Hyland said former VRC chief steward Pat Lalor introduced Hyland to Anderson many years ago.

"He got involved with one horse and now he's got a dozen or so," Hyland said."

"It's their first Group One. It's so fantastic for Robert and Deb.

"It's something very special and they're good friends."

"She might not be as good as some of the other fillies and mares that I've had but she tries harder than any of them."

Hyland recently turned 73 and still rides Bonaria in her work and has done so from the first day she entered his Cranbourne stable.

Even last week he rode six horses in work when left short.

Hyland said Bonaria would head for a spell before returning for another campaign in the autumn.

"Normally Robert would have sent her to stud, but he said `no keep her going, we've got to get that Group One'," Hyland said.

Hyland pointed to Bonaria's return to Flemington as a big part in her success while Rodd said the early morning rain was also beneficial.

"The hard tracks hadn't suited earlier in the campaign," Rodd said.

"The rain this morning helped and she felt nice and loose before the race."