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.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
6.59pm
“He was tough again in winning last week. He’s trained on well, is in good shape, and should be right in it.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.59pm
“He’s finally getting his act together - he’s gone three good races in a row - and seemingly turned the corner. We’ve had a lot of (vet) work done on him, his feet in particular, and it’s paid off. There’s not much between him and Tyson.”
Race 5: Rivergirl Bella
7.23pm
“She’ll need everything to go her way from the draw. But she’s got a bit of speed. She’s getting there. She wasn’t very strong before and wasn’t tracking too well, but she’s driving right now.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
7.23pm
“She’s had a few issues, mostly mental ones, and is still a bit of a handful. It wasn’t very pretty last week but we’re slowly getting her under control. The outside draw might actually help her.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.23pm
“She needs only a half decent trip to feature. She got held up a little bit in the straight at a crucial time last week and that was that.”
Race 6: Prince Lincoln
7.49pm
“He’s drawn the best of ours in three. He got cheated for a run last week. It’s hard to know where he’d have finished without that.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.49pm
“Ferg reckoned if he’d been able to hold up in the trail last week he would have won. He was very bullish about how he’d gone. The draw’s no help but he can do a bit of work. He’s an honest little guy who saves his best for when the money’s up on racenight.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
7.49pm
“He got a bit keen last week but he should be a lot better this time. He’s still learning and he’s a slow learner. When he does things correctly he’s a pretty nice horse. Hopefully he can get a suck into it from the second row draw.”
