It’s up to Brian now as Bondi Shake’s sale is finalised and his ticket to the States booked

Lincoln Farms today farewells Bondi Shake who will be racing for his new American owner at Redcliffe on Wednesday night.

The deal with New Jersey horseman Austin Siegelman was finalised yesterday and the Somebeachsomewhere three-year-old is booked to fly to the States on October 4.

But before then trainer Al Barnes is hoping to win some travel expenses with Bondi Shake who is in career best form with three wins and two seconds in his last five starts.

Last Wednesday, despite a second row draw, Bondi Shake was heavily punted in from his opening $7 quote to start a $3.50 second favourite.

And, while he came up 4.7 metres short behind Miss Victoria, who stole a march before the home turn, Barnes was rapt with his finishing burst for second.

Bondi Shake was the only runner to make up ground on the winner from the 800, clocking up the fastest closing sectionals of 58.41 and 29.38.

Bondi Shake’s new owner, Austin Siegelman in action.“He’ll be even better this week, as he had a slightly easy time before that run and, while the inside second row draw isn’t great, and he’ll probably end up three fence, he should still earn a cheque of some description.

“It would be nice to win a race quickly for the new owners.”

Bondi Shake, who failed to flatter in 11 starts in New Zealand, managing just two placings, sheds the Lincoln green colours with a career record of six wins, 13 placings and $45,215 in stakes for John and Lynne Street, Bob Best, Merle Gradwell, Pat Gubb, Lance Myocevich, Steve Beckett, Kevin Bell, Joe and Raewyn Chojnacki, Margaret Rabbitt and the Athenry Syndicate.

He is the sixth horse which Barnes has successfully sold to the States for Lincoln Farms, following Trojan Banner, Lincoln’s Girl, Billy Lincoln, Vasari and Larry Lincoln, the latter pair who race for Siegelman and partner Leah Posner.

Barnes is looking forward to the arrival of new Lincoln Farms blood at Marburg, as he has only two left, Franco Nandor and Brian Christopher, who goes round in the second race on Wednesday night, also saddled with the inside second line alley.

For a horse whose main forte is toughness, not speed, that’s not ideal but Barnes believes he can still get some of the money if he can trail pole runner Ark Me.

“The one horse does have gate speed and if he wants to lead he will. If I can sit behind the leader we’re an each way chance.

“Even if we’re three fence we’re not out of it as it’s easier up the sprint lane than coming wide.”

Brian Christopher, who has racked up four wins and three placings from his nine starts at Redcliffe, had no chance last week when taken back to last and buried four deep in the running.

Brian Christopher races at 7.50pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Wednesday night.Bondi Shake races at 8.24pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Wednesday night.