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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Sharpe Stride
5.24pm
Nathan Delany: “He’s come back stronger and more solid. I’m happy with what he’s doing. Some days he’s good, some not so good but, if he steps, he should find the front pretty easily and trot along.”
Race 5: Copy Ten Four
6.53pm
“He’s a big colt but he goes quite well. Maurice has nursed him around a bit at the trials but the other day he sent him to the front and he hung on well. He’ll need plenty of luck from the draw.”
Race 9: Colonel Lincoln
8.46pm
“He’s finally got a draw but I’d like to see what he can do before I make judgement. He’s no superstar but he’s tradesman-like.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.46pm
“He’s racing well, he’s a trier, but it’s always tough from out wide, you’re just praying for a bit of luck.”
Race 10: Missy Lincoln
9.10pm
“I think she’ll cross the inside horse easily and I can’t see why she won’t go well again. She’ll be a bit fitter this time.”
Race 10: Sammy Lincoln
9.10pm
“He’s proven untrustworthy and only he knows what he’s going to do on Friday night. I thought he should have won last week with the trip he got.”

