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.”
More news in Harness
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
