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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

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

Our runners this week

Saturday night at Albion Park

Argyle.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 1: Lincoln La Moose
5.43pm

“Drawn well, he should get a good trip and be the one to beat. He got held up at Cambridge last time and these amateur races are easier to win.”

Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.43pm

“The form line doesn’t show it but he actually went ok last time, they just sprinted and left him flat-footed. He’ll go his usual honest race.”

Race 2: Angelic Copy
6.16pm

“She and Linda train and trial together and are much more forward than the others. She’s a proper little tradesman who can do whatever you want and she tries hard.”

Race 2: Prince Lincoln
6.16pm

“He’s not as forward as the fillies. He’s still learning and can do nothing but improve.”

Race 2: Lincoln Lover
6.16pm

“He’s another who will benefit from the experience but he’s by Bettor’s Delight and they tend to lift their game when the money’s up.”

Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.16pm

“She has a bit of speed but is not as tractable as Linda - she doesn’t handle the corners quite as well and might be a little better left-handed. But she’s as good as any of them at the moment and, in the small field, should get her chance.”

Race 2: Lincoln Linda
6.16pm

“Though drawn the outside, she should really be the one to beat, based on her trial. She’s quite a strong filly, who is well gaited and should go forward. Maurice (McKendry) has driven her two or three times and he likes her.”

Race 4: Lincoln Lou
7.08pm

“He should be dangerous against what is not a wonderful bunch. He trialled well, a nose behind Lewey Maguire (home in 56.4). All three of mine are nice horses and should be right there.”

Race 4: Tyson
7.08pm

“He was laying in on the corners last time at Cambridge and it was just a sprint home. He needs to be driven a bit more aggressively - he’s gone his best races when he’s been put in the race. Remember he sat parked when third to Arna’s good one (Chase Me) in December. He can tough it.”

Race 4: Colonel Lincoln
7.08pm

“He’s training down well, as good as you could expect. He’s done nothing wrong in three starts back. The outside draw is an inconvenience but, when he slots in, he won’t be far off them.”

Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.38pm

“He got held up last time and the winner got away on him. He should get a nice trip from one. He’ll go another honest race and will be in it for a while.”

Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
8.38pm

“She could be quite a nice filly. The way she’s developing I think she’ll be competitive against the better fillies later in the year. She’s quite versatile and can race tough. She has a lot of potential.”

Race 7: Frisco Bay
8.38pm

“He’d be on a par with Debbie for speed but he can get a bit carried away. Hopefully he can get a nice suck into it. I can’t fault the way they’re training and whichever of the two gets the best trip should win.”

Race Images - Harness