Hayden Barnes had to nurse Bondi Shake during his first win two weeks ago. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al’s warning on Bondi Shake at Albion Park tonight - he’s a victim of poor programming
By Barry Lichter • 1 December 2020
Bondi Shake might have looked good winning his Queensland debut but he will find it very hard to repeat the feat at Albion Park tonight.
Even though he has drawn nicely in three, Lincoln Farms’ newest arrival faces a field of older and much more seasoned pacers in the seventh race at 6.22pm NZ time.
And trainer Al Barnes is not happy that he has to even run the horse in such an unsuitable race, also stepping up from 1660 metres to 2138 metres.
“It’s a hard field and a major step-up in grade for him. But there’s nothing else programmed for a one win two-year-old and I’ll be lucky to find even one race that suits him before the end of the year.
“The only other two-year-old races are $25,000 features were they’ll go 1:53 and he’s not ready to do that.”
Barnes had been hoping to put together a three or four race winning streak with Bondi Shake who, under a Covid-19 season extension, can compete in two-year-old races until the end of the year, even though he is officially three in New Zealand.
“Two months ago there were plenty of races but all the handicappers here seem to want to do now is put on maiden races to help people win their bonuses.” Qbred paid-up horses earn a A$10,000 bonus for winning their first race.
“I can’t be the only one with a one win two-year-old. I’ve spoken to them about it but it’s fallen on deaf ears.
“They’ll put races on at Redcliffe where you race for no (low) money but not at Albion Park, the premier track.”
Barnes says while Bondi Shake appeared to win his first race two weeks ago untested, after a tough run, three wide to the death seat, he is still very much a work in progress.
“He’s green and we have to cuddle him. Hayden had to nurse home out of the gate and through the run last time. We can’t turn the stick and cut him loose yet and these are seasoned horses who can run 1:54 or 1:55 comfortably.
“This will be a fitness run for him.”
Man Of Action, back from a brief freshener, has drawn the second row in the eighth race at 7.03pm NZ time but Barnes isn’t too worried about that.
“It’s a nice race for him. He might be buried three deep on the fence but that’s not a bad thing - he will be strong home.
“If he’d had a draw and could have sat behind the leader he’d have been a good thing but he’ll need a bit of luck from the second row.
“He’s still a top three chance but he can win it if he gets luck. It’s a very even bunch but he’s the up-and-comer in the race. He has a bit of upside to him.”
Bondi Shake races at 6.22pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday night.
Man Of Action races at 7.03pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday night.
More news in Harness
Spiritual Bliss and Lincoln Maree add to Lincoln Farms’ gallery of Manawatu heroes
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
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.”
