Bondi Shake gets a nose decision over Coppice, obscured, at Albion Park today.
Consistent Bondi Shake gets up by a nose and earns quick backup on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 23 February 2021
Bondi Shake extended a good run for trainer Al Barnes and Lincoln Farms when he got up in the last stride to win at Albion Park in Brisbane today.
And the effort has buoyed the stable’s hopes for the improving three-year-old who will back up again on Saturday in a three-year-old race.
Everything went to script for Bondi Shake today with Hayden Barnes able to hold the back of pole runner Coppice who was driven up to keep the front into the first turn.
And when Coppice went for the doctor turning for home Bondi Shake was the only one able to stay with him, coming off his back into the stretch and finishing powerfully to score by a nose.
Al Barnes has no reservations about tackling a $A14,000 race on Saturday night, given how well the horse raced when last backed up so quickly.
“He went super last time we did this, and went better the second time he raced. He’s tough and loves it. We don’t work him hard at home.
It’s close but Bondi Shake has a clear margin.“He’s in a tough race on Saturday night but drawn four, he’ll sit on the speed.”
Barnes said interest had been shown in buying the horse who he believed had the ability to win plenty more in the next few seasons.
“He’s missed a cheque only once in 13 starts with three wins, five seconds, three fourths and a fifth, and he’s still only a rating 52.
“We know he doesn’t ping, he needs to get out and unwind, but he’s improving all the time.”
Bondi Shake, who clocked a mile rate of 1:55.4 for the mobile 1660 metres, sprinted home in 56.1 and 27.8 and paid $3.60 to win.
He is raced by Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street and a big partnership comprising Bob Best, Merle Gradwell, Pat Gubb, Lance Myocevich, Steve Beckett, Kevin Bell, the Joeraeme Syndicate, Margaret Rabbitt and the Athenry Syndicate.
Barnes was also pleased with how Man Of Action trialled today, trailing the leader over 1660 metres, sprinting clear at the top of the straight and just run down in the last couple of strides by Jive in a 1:56 mile rate.
“He was beaten only a head and he was a run short.”
Man Of Action has returned from a break in great order, says Barnes.
“He was just tired, racing on tired legs, but he looks big and solid again.
“He may race next week.”
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Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Auckland
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm
“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm
“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”
Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm
“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm
“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”
Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm
“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”
Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm
“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Cambridge
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
1.38pm
“If Fergie drives him right, and can get the front, he should win. It was only a sprint up the straight last time and he’s not a sit-sprinter, he needs to be out and trucking. This is the weakest field he’s met.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
1.38pm
“Wide on the second row isn’t a good draw but she’s not brilliant out of the gate anyway. She’ll need a lot of luck.”
Race 9: Lincoln Maree
5.07pm
“She’s no superstar but, if things go her way, she’s a chance. She didn’t beat much at Manawatu but she’s the highest rated in the field and has a nice enough draw.”
