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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Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 6: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.34pm NZ time
This race will tell us how he measures up against the local horses. We decided to go for this lower graded race, despite having lower prize money, instead of going to the trials one more time. He won the second of two trials on April 21, beating race rival Hezrockinroyalty by four metres. Run over 2230 metres he clocked 57.7 for his last half and 1:59.7 for his last mile. From the pole he’ll start short and be hard to beat.
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
8.25pm
“He’s a beautiful little horse who doesn’t do anything wrong. He got held up at a crucial time last week and got home well (for sixth). He gets out pretty well so should get a good trip from two. He’ll go his usual honest race. He’s improving all the time, he’s a gutsy little guy, but whether he can measure up to the favourites remains to be seen.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.25pm
“He’s a work in progress and we’re still dabbling with his gear. He’s actually a naturally good-gaited horse, like all the American Ideals, but he’s going through a stage of not really knowing why he’s out there. You just don’t know when he’ll click but three is an ideal draw for him and he should be handy if he does things right.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
9.20pm
“He’s an under-rated horse, as good as those others who are higher rated. He’s proving to be a tidy horse and, while he’s not viewed as a serious player by some, I think he is. He was closing off really well last week behind Hugotastic.”
