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
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Johnny Lincoln
5.39pm
“He didn’t do anything at Auckland last start but seems to go better left-handed and placed at Cambridge in his only start there.”
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.39pm
“Her driver (Harrison Orange) said she would have won last start had that horse (Mr Miki) not stopped in her face. The winner was gone by the time she saw daylight. She will just need some luck from the second row draw.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.39pm
“He should have won last start at Auckland but we’ve taken the blinds off on Friday night and, in a weaker line-up, going left-handed, we’ll see how he goes.”
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.37pm
“I think the race will be won or lost soon after the start. It’s out of our control, we just have to hope she gets a run through and then I’m sure she’ll be hard to beat.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.40pm
“She’s got a little bit of lick but only has a short sprint, so timing is everything.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.40pm
“Being put in the race from the start last time obviously took a bit of the sting out of him. But at least there’s no chance that will happen this time from the second row. In his previous races he’d ducked for cover and got sucked along but he needs a decent tempo, he’s no sit-sprinter.”
