Bondi Shake bright and happy after his first hoppled work this morning. PHOTO: Al Barnes.
Bondi Shake hasn’t turned a hair in Brisbane’s 38 degree heat and likely to race next week
By Barry Lichter • 5 November 2020
Man Of Action, who races at Albion Park in Brisbane tonight, welcomed a former Lincoln Farms’ buddy in Bondi Shake to his Marburg stable this week.
And trainer Al Barnes says the new arrival has settled in so well since Monday he hopes to have him at the races as soon as next week.
Barnes hoppled Bondi Shake for the first time early this morning trying to beat the heat of the day, expected to reach 38 degrees.
“Normally when it’s hot like this it takes horses a couple of weeks to settle in but it’s like this fella’s been here for six months. That’s very unusual, especially for a young horse like him. He’s eating and drinking well and is happy in his paddock.”
Barnes’ first impressions of Bondi Shake are all good. “He’s a lovely type, very friendly and he has a great attitude.
“We’ll fast work him at Marburg on Saturday and, if we can get the paperwork done in time we’ll race him on Tuesday, if not, maybe Friday.”
The reason Barnes wants to line up the Somebeachsomewhere gelding so soon is that with the COVID-19 extension to the season, the horse is still classed as a two-year-old until the end of the year.
That means Bondi Shake starts his Queensland campaign on a 35 rating and won’t hit 50 until he’s won four races. But come January 1 he will automatically be rerated to at least 50.
“We have to capitalise as much as we can on those free wins. Ideally we’d like to win four races and earn $20,000 in free money before the end of the year.”
Bondi Shake, who shaped up early as one of Lincoln Farms’ best two-year-olds, has a bleak looking form line with just two placings from 11 starts in New Zealand. But he threw away a win at Cambridge two starts back when he went up to win in the stretch then galloped, turning his head and possibly hitting a knee.
He is raced by Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street along with a big team of stalwarts including Auckland Trotting Club steward Pat Gubb, Bob Best, Merle Gradwell, Lance Myocevich, Steve Beckett, Kevin Bell, the Joeraeme Syndicate, Margaret Rabbitt and the Athenry Syndicate.
Man Of Action … posted fast closing sectionals last week. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Most of the same team also race Man Of Action whom Barnes is expecting to run a big race in the third event tonight from gate four.
Though only seventh and 18 metres from the winner last week, Man Of Action started on the second row and had to battle through very heavy conditions in persistent rain.
“I thought it was a good run,” said Barnes. “His sectionals were brilliant.”
Only one horse went faster over the closing 800 than Man Of Action who clocked 55.73, home from the 400 in 27.06.
“And Brendan didn’t ask him to do a lot after the tough run he had the previous start.
“It won’t be easy for him. The three horse (Notorious) will lead and probably park us. But he tries hard in the chair.
“I think he might be a better chaser than a leader. Hayden said when he was in the chair in his previous start he was travelling but as soon as he got to the front he came off the bit and didn’t want to go.
“There are three or four in there who can win but he’s one of the top ones and he’ll be thereabouts. He’ll be brave.”
Man Of Action races at 9pm NZ time at Albion Park tonight.
More news in Harness
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Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
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?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
