Big offers keep coming for Bondi Lockdown

The new kid on the block in harness racing circles, Bondi Lockdown, is enjoying himself in the spelling paddock, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the spotlight.

Victorian owner-trainer-driver Aaron Dunn said offers to buy a share or all of “Carl” (Bondi Lockdown’s stable name) were still coming along.

“The potential buyers are not only from Australia. There’s also been interest from over in the US. One offer for a share of him equated to a value of $1M on him,” Dunn said.

“It’s really good money that’s for sure. I suppose it’s exciting to think that people have such a high opinion of him. But to be honest, no amount of money could buy him because I’ll never want to sell him.”

Dunn said the $20,000 purchase of Bondi Lockdown (13 wins, 9 placings, 29 starts for $350,00 in stakes) was the result of a decision nearly four years ago to aim for a better class of horse.

“I’d convinced myself to give it a fair dinkum go, and the only way was to look for some exceptionally bred youngsters at the sales,” he said.

Dunn, based at Horsham in the Victorian Wimmera grain belt, operates a very successful seed-cleaning and grading business (Dunn-Ezy).

“The business was booming and I had the money to put into the horses. When I was doing it with dad (Barry) it was fun, but more of a hobby,” he said.

“Bondi Lockdown has certainly changed my life and that’s why I’d find it hard to sell him, or even some shares. I reckon down the track, because of his class and toughness, he will attract broodmare owners when we put him at stud.”

The four-year-old’s effort to run second in the Chariots Of Fire at Menangle is still being talked about by industry participants far and wide.

A blistering opening quarter of 24.3, the previous fastest being 24.6, saw Bettor Call Me land in front with Bondi Lockdown in the death-seat. The Horsham champ hit the front in the home straight in a phenomenal performance, only to be nabbed by another Victorian in Better Eclipse (Greg Sugars) in 1.47.6.

“It would have been great if we could have hung on and won in that time. And added to that was the fact his grandmother Innocent Eyes was the last mare to win the Chariots. She was driven by the late Gavin Lang,” Dunn said.

“There’s no doubt that run did take a bit out of him for his next assignment, the Miracle Mile. He also wasn’t drinking as much as I would have liked. He didn’t take to the water up there and deep down I knew I didn’t have him spot on.”

But Dunn, who is finding his feet at the elite level, said it was all a great experience.

“I’m learning to handle the pressure and don’t mind it. I coped with the Miracle Mile pressure, including the media, far better than I was leading up to the Chariots,” he said.

“We’ve been invited to Queensland for the Constellations, specifically the Rising Sun (on July 9). We loved the weather when we went up there last year and I’m leaving it open as an option on the table at this stage.

“Just trying to get away from home to do these trips presents headaches, but we have young Stacey Barker on board with us now. She’s doing a good job and comes from a well-known family involved in the sport.”

Dunn said he was unsure when “Carl” would be back in work.

“He needed a good spell and he’s doing a treat.”

Hoofnote: Bondi Lockdown’s nickname of Carl is a tribute, or in recognition, of his breeder Carl Reinehr. And the name Bondi Lockdown, well that was easy – Aaron wanted an ocean-themed name as the horse is sired by Somebeachsomewhere. It just so happened that Sydney’s eastern suburbs had been shut down due to COVID-19.

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink