Bondi Shake gets a nose decision over Coppice, obscured, at Albion Park today.
Consistent Bondi Shake gets up by a nose and earns quick backup on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 23 February 2021
Bondi Shake extended a good run for trainer Al Barnes and Lincoln Farms when he got up in the last stride to win at Albion Park in Brisbane today.
And the effort has buoyed the stable’s hopes for the improving three-year-old who will back up again on Saturday in a three-year-old race.
Everything went to script for Bondi Shake today with Hayden Barnes able to hold the back of pole runner Coppice who was driven up to keep the front into the first turn.
And when Coppice went for the doctor turning for home Bondi Shake was the only one able to stay with him, coming off his back into the stretch and finishing powerfully to score by a nose.
Al Barnes has no reservations about tackling a $A14,000 race on Saturday night, given how well the horse raced when last backed up so quickly.
“He went super last time we did this, and went better the second time he raced. He’s tough and loves it. We don’t work him hard at home.
It’s close but Bondi Shake has a clear margin.“He’s in a tough race on Saturday night but drawn four, he’ll sit on the speed.”
Barnes said interest had been shown in buying the horse who he believed had the ability to win plenty more in the next few seasons.
“He’s missed a cheque only once in 13 starts with three wins, five seconds, three fourths and a fifth, and he’s still only a rating 52.
“We know he doesn’t ping, he needs to get out and unwind, but he’s improving all the time.”
Bondi Shake, who clocked a mile rate of 1:55.4 for the mobile 1660 metres, sprinted home in 56.1 and 27.8 and paid $3.60 to win.
He is raced by Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street and a big partnership comprising Bob Best, Merle Gradwell, Pat Gubb, Lance Myocevich, Steve Beckett, Kevin Bell, the Joeraeme Syndicate, Margaret Rabbitt and the Athenry Syndicate.
Barnes was also pleased with how Man Of Action trialled today, trailing the leader over 1660 metres, sprinting clear at the top of the straight and just run down in the last couple of strides by Jive in a 1:56 mile rate.
“He was beaten only a head and he was a run short.”
Man Of Action has returned from a break in great order, says Barnes.
“He was just tired, racing on tired legs, but he looks big and solid again.
“He may race next week.”
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday at Addington
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
4.03pm
“She’s drawn out but I think she’s got the gate speed to be put into the race. You’ve got to be handy to beat the good ones and we don’t want to be stuck behind some of the others. The one drawn two inside us, Arafura, looks the one to beat but Debbie is as good as anything in the race in my opinion. It’s not going to be easy but I’m hopeful. She’s done well down here and is in good shape.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 5: Im Not The Maid
6.17pm
“The draw helps and while she’s very honest she still needs to improve. Gary Hall said she was a bit stop-start last time but he cut corners and wasn’t too far away at the finish. He reckoned his toe rope broke at the top of the straight.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
7.49pm
“She showed no speed when resuming and it’s hard to see her playing a part in this.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
7.49pm
“She went the best of them last time, was hampered turning or home, and could improve.”
Race 8: Jessie Lincoln
7.49pm
“She’s a big filly but so far, so good. There are a few negatives, like the second row draw and it being her first time under lights, but I think she could go quite well. It’s not a wonderful lot against her and she’s training well.”
Race 8: Lincoln’s Spice
7.49pm
“She over-raced early first-up and burned herself out. She’s a delicate little thing but we’ll put some plugs in her this week. Last time in I thought she could be the best of them. Whether the others have caught her up or she’s gone backwards I don’t know.”
