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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
6.59pm
“He was tough again in winning last week. He’s trained on well, is in good shape, and should be right in it.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.59pm
“He’s finally getting his act together - he’s gone three good races in a row - and seemingly turned the corner. We’ve had a lot of (vet) work done on him, his feet in particular, and it’s paid off. There’s not much between him and Tyson.”
Race 5: Rivergirl Bella
7.23pm
“She’ll need everything to go her way from the draw. But she’s got a bit of speed. She’s getting there. She wasn’t very strong before and wasn’t tracking too well, but she’s driving right now.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
7.23pm
“She’s had a few issues, mostly mental ones, and is still a bit of a handful. It wasn’t very pretty last week but we’re slowly getting her under control. The outside draw might actually help her.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.23pm
“She needs only a half decent trip to feature. She got held up a little bit in the straight at a crucial time last week and that was that.”
Race 6: Prince Lincoln
7.49pm
“He’s drawn the best of ours in three. He got cheated for a run last week. It’s hard to know where he’d have finished without that.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.49pm
“Ferg reckoned if he’d been able to hold up in the trail last week he would have won. He was very bullish about how he’d gone. The draw’s no help but he can do a bit of work. He’s an honest little guy who saves his best for when the money’s up on racenight.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
7.49pm
“He got a bit keen last week but he should be a lot better this time. He’s still learning and he’s a slow learner. When he does things correctly he’s a pretty nice horse. Hopefully he can get a suck into it from the second row draw.”
