Lined up across the track near the finish it’s, from the inside, Platinum Stride, Bondi Shake, Captain Nemo and Vincent Van Gone.
A little tinkering and Ray will have his three babies ready for the first Young Guns heat
By Barry Lichter • 4 December 2019
Precocious two-year-olds Bondi Shake, Platinum Stride and Captain Nemo need only “a little bit of tinkering” to be ready for Friday week’s first Young Guns heat, says trainer Ray Green.
The trio took in the busy sights of Alexandra Park for the first time last night in a four-horse workout over 1700 metres before the first race, all behaving well.
And while they were collared in the run home by the Ross Houghton-trained Sportswriter colt Vincent Van Gone, Green was happy with their performances.
Vincent Van Gone edges ahead in front of the big screen at Alexandra Park.“They were only here for a look round the place and I thought they went great - there was no money up tonight and I’m sure they’ll improve immensely with that experience,” Green said.
Captain Nemo showed the most gate speed of the four, shooting to an early lead before handing up to Bondi Shake, with Platinum Stride third in the running and Vincent Van Gone last of the quartet.
There was little between them at the finish, the official result recording Vincent Van Gone and John Dunn winners by a length, with noses between Bondi Shake Platinum Stride and Captain Nemo.
The heat wasn’t run at any great pace, with the overall time of 2:07.6, a mile rate of 2:00.7. The last 800 metres was cut out in 57.9 and 400 in 28.3.
Anthony Butt, driving Platinum Stride for owner Emilio Rosati, reported they only sprinted the last 350 metres.
“He was only getting wound up at the finish and was super strong at the line.
“He put in one step when we sprinted up but other than that his manners were good and he got round the track well.”
Bondi Shake (Andre Poutama) leading with a round to go.Green will be pulling up the hopples on Bondi Shake after Andre Poutama reported he felt like he was going to lose the horse a number of times when he asked him to extend.
“We let his hopples out quite a lot tonight but we’ll be bringing them back in.”
Zachary Butcher said Captain Nemo also needed his hopples tightened a hole or two as he was very green.
“I was rapt with the other gear changes we’d made so we’re on the right track.
“He was beautiful off the gate and I only let him run by himself - if I’d asked him he’d have been off.
“He cruised up like he was going to win easily but when he got there he was like: ‘Oh, what now?’
“He gave me a good feel but he’s not quite ready in the head yet.”
* Captain Nemo and Bondi Shake are among 11 two-year-olds which Lincoln Farms are organising to race in partnerships.
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Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
What’s Up The Hill.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
5.09pm
“She’s working really well and, from the good draw, hopefully she can run a drum. The field’s not that much harder than the one she beat last time at Manawatu (when parked for the last lap).”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
5.09pm
“We’re very happy with him - he’s come back a better horse. He went well at Auckland last start and is working well. We’ll be looking to go forward from the gate and hopefully get a gun run through behind Onyx Shard. On ability, he’s the better chance of the two.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.39pm
“He stepped like a bullet in his first go from a stand here in March. I thought he’d do the same on the second day but he galloped. We’ve got an overcheck on and hopple shorteners on Tuesday so he should make a good beginning. If he can step and lead, then maybe take a trail, he should be hard to beat. He likes it down there where the track is quite soft.”
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.04pm
“I thought I had Kevin Kline covered on Tuesday when we got to the straight because she was really travelling but he kicked away on us. It would be nice if she can get out of the gate as well again - she has good gate speed - and, if she does, she can get some of it again.”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
6.04pm
“He was too good for them on Tuesday, thanks to a great Fergy drive, and he’s in the same field again this time. The extra distance and wide draw shouldn’t make much of a difference and he’s our best of the night.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.02pm
“He’ll be hard to beat again if he steps like he did on Tuesday. The 10 metre handicap shouldn’t stop him. I think he’s even better if he follows something and the extra 500 metres isn’t a worry.”
