Bondi Shake, pictured winning at Redcliffe earlier in the month, has raced for the last time for Lincoln Farms. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
It’s up to Brian now as Bondi Shake’s sale is finalised and his ticket to the States booked
By Barry Lichter • 24 August 2021
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.
More news in Harness
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Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
