Bondi will give it a real Shake from the pole on Tuesday and Larry’s a terrific chance too
Improving pacer Bondi Shake has drawn to lead and win at Albion Park on Tuesday.
Trainer Al Barnes was delighted when the Somebeachsomewhere gelding drew the pole for the fifth race after his excellent placing last week from the second row.
Bondi Shake followed the pacemaking ex-Kiwi Boomchuckalucka all the way last week and never flinched on his challenge up the straight, despite having missed a couple of day’s work through flooding.
Bondi Shake, who is still officially two until the end of the month, clocked 55.08 for his closing 800 metres and 27.68 for his last 400, with the mile rate a good 1:55.4.
“I was really happy with him, he kept trying, and he’s improving all the time.
“It’s a nice field but I don’t think they’ll beat him in front.”
Larry Lincoln …”airborne”Barnes is also expecting Larry Lincoln and Man Of Action to go well in the following race, drawn the two inside spots.
Larry Lincoln was particularly impressive at his last start when he swept up four wide on the home turn and was right in the fight up the straight, finishing a close fourth.
“He’s airborne at the moment and from two will put himself right in it and be very hard to beat.
“Man Of Action should also be in the money from the inside draw.”
The likely favourite is the Craig Cross-trained Ranger Bomb but he has drawn the outside of the gate.
Bondi Shake races at 5.33pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.
Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln race at 6.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.
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Everything looking good for Argyle’s comeback tonight but it’s steady as she goes
Tyson in the right form to deliver a knockout punch at Cambridge on Friday night
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Argyle.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln La Moose
5.43pm
“Drawn well, he should get a good trip and be the one to beat. He got held up at Cambridge last time and these amateur races are easier to win.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.43pm
“The form line doesn’t show it but he actually went ok last time, they just sprinted and left him flat-footed. He’ll go his usual honest race.”
Race 2: Angelic Copy
6.16pm
“She and Linda train and trial together and are much more forward than the others. She’s a proper little tradesman who can do whatever you want and she tries hard.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
6.16pm
“He’s not as forward as the fillies. He’s still learning and can do nothing but improve.”
Race 2: Lincoln Lover
6.16pm
“He’s another who will benefit from the experience but he’s by Bettor’s Delight and they tend to lift their game when the money’s up.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.16pm
“She has a bit of speed but is not as tractable as Linda - she doesn’t handle the corners quite as well and might be a little better left-handed. But she’s as good as any of them at the moment and, in the small field, should get her chance.”
Race 2: Lincoln Linda
6.16pm
“Though drawn the outside, she should really be the one to beat, based on her trial. She’s quite a strong filly, who is well gaited and should go forward. Maurice (McKendry) has driven her two or three times and he likes her.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lou
7.08pm
“He should be dangerous against what is not a wonderful bunch. He trialled well, a nose behind Lewey Maguire (home in 56.4). All three of mine are nice horses and should be right there.”
Race 4: Tyson
7.08pm
“He was laying in on the corners last time at Cambridge and it was just a sprint home. He needs to be driven a bit more aggressively - he’s gone his best races when he’s been put in the race. Remember he sat parked when third to Arna’s good one (Chase Me) in December. He can tough it.”
Race 4: Colonel Lincoln
7.08pm
“He’s training down well, as good as you could expect. He’s done nothing wrong in three starts back. The outside draw is an inconvenience but, when he slots in, he won’t be far off them.”
Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.38pm
“He got held up last time and the winner got away on him. He should get a nice trip from one. He’ll go another honest race and will be in it for a while.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
8.38pm
“She could be quite a nice filly. The way she’s developing I think she’ll be competitive against the better fillies later in the year. She’s quite versatile and can race tough. She has a lot of potential.”
Race 7: Frisco Bay
8.38pm
“He’d be on a par with Debbie for speed but he can get a bit carried away. Hopefully he can get a nice suck into it. I can’t fault the way they’re training and whichever of the two gets the best trip should win.”