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.”
More news in Harness
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Shunt and tangled tail hamper our Johnny - why he can win Friday’s Lincoln Farms Pace
Ray: Put the line through Johnny’s last run - it was a walk-fest and he copped it late
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 7: Im Not The Maid
8.15pm
“She couldn’t knick off a perfect trip last time in the amateur race so I won’t be holding my breath here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.53pm
“It looks like it will be a replica of his last two runs. He needs to drop down a class.”
Race 2: Kevin Kline
5.53pm
“I think he’lll go another good race but you couldn’t make a case for him to beat the two favourites (American Me or Mantra Blue). If he ran third, I’d be rapt. He’s very genuine and his form reflects that.”
Race 3: The Rascal
6.24pm
“We’ve chucked him in the deep end - he’s a maiden against race winners - but he’s improving all the time. Fergy had difficulty steering him last time and said if he could have got him out, he would have won. We’ve made little changes to his gear this time and I think he’s a serious contender.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.26pm
“He feels super in his work. I’m really pleased with him. I know he hasn’t lived up to his early promise but the way he’s training he might now be ready to realise it.”
Race 9: Dreams Of Eric
9.32pm
“He wasn’t handling the right-handed going so well, which was why he switched to racing at Cambridge, but he’s a genuine little guy, a strong colt with a bit of speed. I think he’s a chance, it’s just the draw, but it’s only a small field.”
