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 3: Sammy Lincoln
6.03pm
“He’s had a decent spell and is looking in good nick and I think he should be competitive on Friday as he’s fairly forward. He’s not one who takes a lot to screw down so I’m picking he’ll come to it pretty quickly.”
Race 3: Colonel Lincoln
6.03pm
“He’s training down well enough. The draw’s probably got him covered but he’ll go an honest race. He’s been outclassed a few times but he very rarely goes a bad race.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.54pm
“He had surgery to correct an epiglottal entrapment and will probably need the run. I wouldn’t say he’s on top of his game yet but he’s drawn well (one) and steps well so I’m picking he’ll get a nice trip. He’s up there in the grades now but hopefully he’s good enough to get a cheque.”
Race 9: Ultimate Cullect
8.54pm
“She locked on a rein at Cambridge and Andre couldn’t get her to go down into the passing lane. He said she was travelling well at the time. She’ll find this tough and needs a solid pace to be of any effect. A sit and sprint is no good for her.”
