Watch Bondi Shake roar home at Albion Park on Tuesday - at tempting odds
By Barry Lichter • 1 February 2021
Bondi Shake may have a second row draw to contend with at Albion Park on Tuesday but the step up to 2138 metres will see him competitive, says trainer Al Barnes.
You only had to see how well Bondi Shake finished at his last start over 1660 metres to appreciate why Barnes believes the horse will enjoy the extra distance of the fourth race.
After dropping to the rear from a wide gate, Bondi Shake was never closer than four back on the outer until he made his move when he was pushed six wide turning for home.
But the improving three-year-old still powered home for a close fourth, recording easily the fastest closing 800 and 400 in 56.31 and 27.44, making up 16.6 metres on the leaders in the process.
Bondi Shake’s closing sectionals last start were excellent and saw him make up 16.6 metres on the leaders from the 800.“He’ll go well at 2138 metres,” says Barnes. “He was just pipped and beat home Tuesday’s favourite Flame Lady last time he ran the distance.”
Barnes can’t believe the early odds have the former Chrissie Dalgety and Nathan Purdon-trained Flame Lady a $3.50 favourite while Bondi Shake is at $14, even allowing for the fact the favourite is perfectly placed in two.
“I think Bondi Shake has more stamina than speed and the 2138 metres will sort a lot of them out.
“Flame Lady was run down over the trip last Friday night and is on the quick backup, so she might not be as good.
“It’s not an overly strong field and we’re good enough to make the first move. We won’t go silly early as Flame Lady won’t hand up but he’ll be put in the race at some stage - I’d like to see him out and rolling by the 600 as he’ll keep on coming.”
Barnes is rapt with how the horse continues to improve. “He’s done super - I’m really happy with him.”
Bondi Shake races at 7.43pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.
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Phone home - ET trotter Whats Up The Hill blasts off with narrow Escape at Auckland
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
What’s Up The Hill.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
5.09pm
“She’s working really well and, from the good draw, hopefully she can run a drum. The field’s not that much harder than the one she beat last time at Manawatu (when parked for the last lap).”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
5.09pm
“We’re very happy with him - he’s come back a better horse. He went well at Auckland last start and is working well. We’ll be looking to go forward from the gate and hopefully get a gun run through behind Onyx Shard. On ability, he’s the better chance of the two.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.39pm
“He stepped like a bullet in his first go from a stand here in March. I thought he’d do the same on the second day but he galloped. We’ve got an overcheck on and hopple shorteners on Tuesday so he should make a good beginning. If he can step and lead, then maybe take a trail, he should be hard to beat. He likes it down there where the track is quite soft.”
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.04pm
“I thought I had Kevin Kline covered on Tuesday when we got to the straight because she was really travelling but he kicked away on us. It would be nice if she can get out of the gate as well again - she has good gate speed - and, if she does, she can get some of it again.”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
6.04pm
“He was too good for them on Tuesday, thanks to a great Fergy drive, and he’s in the same field again this time. The extra distance and wide draw shouldn’t make much of a difference and he’s our best of the night.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.02pm
“He’ll be hard to beat again if he steps like he did on Tuesday. The 10 metre handicap shouldn’t stop him. I think he’s even better if he follows something and the extra 500 metres isn’t a worry.”
