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.
More news in Harness
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
