The 29-year-old Reed had the pacing fraternity abuzz when he announced on Thursday that he was quitting as a reinsman and he was replaced on all his drives at Friday night's meeting.

But in a dramatic turnaround, Reed received a phone call on Friday afternoon from owner Bob Proberts asking him to handle Bonavista Bay in the group one classic for four-year-olds.

"I had gone to get my super out this morning and there was only about $385 in it, so I had to make a comeback," joked a delighted Reed after guiding Bonavista Bay, a heavily-backed 13/8 favourite, to a commanding all-the-way victory over Captain Joy and Ima Rocket Star.

This gave Reed his second win in the classic. His previous success was with Tricky Vic, who beat Lombo Skyrider in the big race in December 2002. Lombo Skyrider was driven by ace Victorian Gavin Lang, who was in the sulky behind the runner-up Captain Joy on Friday night.

Reed answered the SOS to drive Bonavista Bay after the horse's regular reinsman Chris Alford was stranded at Melbourne's Tullarmarine Airport. When he discovered that his flight had been delayed by two hours, Alford telephoned Proberts to tell him that he would not be able to arrive in Perth in time to take the drive.

After Bonavista Bay's brilliant victory, Reed explained that he had decided earlier in the week to take a break from driving in order to concentrate on preparing his team of gallopers, including Perth Cup hopeful Gondorff.

"I was never going to retire permanently," he said. "I've got about 15 horses at home and I just wanted to concentrate on them. But when I got the call this afternoon I was more than happy to oblige."

Bonavista Basy, backed from 11/4 to 13/8, started from the inside barrier and was beaten out at the start of the 2536m event by Ima Rocket Star (barrier two). But Ima Rocket Star, who got to a half-length lead early, was unable to cross to the front and then was forced to work hard without cover.

Lang settled Captain Joy in sixth place in the one-wide line before dashing him forward, three wide, to move to the breeze with 1100m to travel. But then Chris Lewis surged forward with In The Force to move outside the pacemaker at the 900m mark.

Ima Rocket Star was then shuffled back in the field and he had only a couple of horses behind him in the back straight before Colin Brown pulled him wide and he sprinted home fast to be an excellent third, with outsider Lukcon Lad (Morgan Woodley) finishing fourth after having the trail behind the leader throughout.

"The start was always going to tell the story and Bonavista Bay held up pretty well," said Reed, who wielded his whip in a triumphant salute to the crowd over the final 25m. But Reed explained that he had far from an armchair drive.

"Once he led, he started to hit the wheels and overrace," he said. "It was the first time I had driven him and he was smashing the wheels. But he's a class act."

Bonavista Bay, who now boasts a fine record of 19 starts for 14 wins and three seconds for earnings of $307,137, will contest the $250,000 Stallion Station Fremantle Cup over 2902m at Gloucester Park next Friday night. Alford will resume as his driver, provided his flight from Melbourne to Perth leaves on schedule.

Proberts was thrilled at Bonavista Bay's performance after the horse had suffered from dehydration and was a wilting sixth behind Ima Rocket Star the previous Friday night.

"It was fantastic to win a race like that, following horses like Sinbad Bay and Westburn Grant and other greats," he said. "The horse came here with a big reputation and with big boots to fill because Adam Hamilton had made some statements, comparing him with Blacks A Fake. The win shows what a great horse he is to come back after his problems."

Proberts also thanked travelling foreman Matthew Ablett and Reed's parents, Mike and Sue Reed, who provided stabling for Bonavista Bay at their Hazelmere property. He also thanked Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin, for their efforts in preparing the horse in Victoria.

Ken CASELLAS