Lined up across the track near the finish it’s, from the inside, Platinum Stride, Bondi Shake, Captain Nemo and Vincent Van Gone.
A little tinkering and Ray will have his three babies ready for the first Young Guns heat
By Barry Lichter • 4 December 2019
Precocious two-year-olds Bondi Shake, Platinum Stride and Captain Nemo need only “a little bit of tinkering” to be ready for Friday week’s first Young Guns heat, says trainer Ray Green.
The trio took in the busy sights of Alexandra Park for the first time last night in a four-horse workout over 1700 metres before the first race, all behaving well.
And while they were collared in the run home by the Ross Houghton-trained Sportswriter colt Vincent Van Gone, Green was happy with their performances.
Vincent Van Gone edges ahead in front of the big screen at Alexandra Park.“They were only here for a look round the place and I thought they went great - there was no money up tonight and I’m sure they’ll improve immensely with that experience,” Green said.
Captain Nemo showed the most gate speed of the four, shooting to an early lead before handing up to Bondi Shake, with Platinum Stride third in the running and Vincent Van Gone last of the quartet.
There was little between them at the finish, the official result recording Vincent Van Gone and John Dunn winners by a length, with noses between Bondi Shake Platinum Stride and Captain Nemo.
The heat wasn’t run at any great pace, with the overall time of 2:07.6, a mile rate of 2:00.7. The last 800 metres was cut out in 57.9 and 400 in 28.3.
Anthony Butt, driving Platinum Stride for owner Emilio Rosati, reported they only sprinted the last 350 metres.
“He was only getting wound up at the finish and was super strong at the line.
“He put in one step when we sprinted up but other than that his manners were good and he got round the track well.”
Bondi Shake (Andre Poutama) leading with a round to go.Green will be pulling up the hopples on Bondi Shake after Andre Poutama reported he felt like he was going to lose the horse a number of times when he asked him to extend.
“We let his hopples out quite a lot tonight but we’ll be bringing them back in.”
Zachary Butcher said Captain Nemo also needed his hopples tightened a hole or two as he was very green.
“I was rapt with the other gear changes we’d made so we’re on the right track.
“He was beautiful off the gate and I only let him run by himself - if I’d asked him he’d have been off.
“He cruised up like he was going to win easily but when he got there he was like: ‘Oh, what now?’
“He gave me a good feel but he’s not quite ready in the head yet.”
* Captain Nemo and Bondi Shake are among 11 two-year-olds which Lincoln Farms are organising to race in partnerships.
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Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
4.53pm
“He’s drawn out a bit this week but I don’t think that will worry him too much. The driver’s pretty confident and we’ve got hopple shorteners on him to help him burn off the gate. Zac was pretty happy with his run last time. He only did what he needed to and there’s not much difference in the quality of the field. That one of Andre’s who beat him last time (St John Eight) is quite a nice horse who’d been racing well at Auckland.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Angelic Copy
6.09pm
Update: Scratched
“There is some doubt over whether she will start and we’re taking blood tomorrow morning to see how she is. We eliminated the tie-up problem but after she trained below par this week we took a blood and it showed she had a virus.”
Race 3: Lincoln Linda
6.09pm
“She’ll need a lot of luck from the outside of the second row. She was too fierce again last time, but I’m hoping the likely faster pace on Friday will suit her.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
6.40pm
“Lincoln Lover isn’t training as well as Prince Lincoln but he has the inside draw to help him. And he’s a tough little bugger who’s not one to shirk his responsibilities.”
Race 4: Prince Lincoln
6.40pm
“If I had to choose between them I’d say Prince Lincoln is the better chance. He’s training very well and he’d be a chance of getting some of it with luck from his wide gate.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.23pm
“I’m not holding my breath. He’s gone some handy races against the very best but he’s not in career best form. I’m just hoping the 2700 metres might suit him better. I think he might need a decent break.”
