Bond looking for rewards

Mataura trainer Lyndon Bond will be looking to put some extra coin in his owners pockets on Friday when he starts five horses at the Winton Harness Racing Club’s meeting.

Three of his runners will start in $20,000 Winter Reward races.

Swift Dream (Superfast Stuart) and The Bronx Bomber (Muscle Yankee) contest Race Two, both starting off the unruly.

Swift Dream has been running good races lately without too much luck. Nathan Williamson takes the reins on Friday.

“He’s had a few weeks off and we’ve brought him back for the big tracks. He went super the other day and led up which is not his go. He’s better coming off their back because he’s got a hell of a lot of speed. He’s my best bet. If Switch On (Bacardi Lindy) wasn’t in it, I’d label my horse,” Bond said.

The Bronx Bomber has turned his form around since recently joining the Bond team.

“She’s a funny old tart but she goes near enough. She’s done a good job since arriving after Neville (Cleaver) bought her. She went well the start before we bought her. I like her and she’s a nice capable maiden but when she picks one up it’ll get a lot tougher.”

In the Ryal Bush Transport Winter Rewards Handicap Trot (R5) Andover The Keys (Andover Hall) fronts up against a handy field. She was seen trotting roughly at her last start at Wyndham.

“She goes a good race and then chucks in a couple of bad ones. She’s got a hitch to her gait. On her day she’s thereabouts but nothing special.”

Beez Neez (American Ideal) has been posted wide at his last two starts so will be looking for more luck in the Woodlands Stud Winter Rewards Mobile Pace (R7).

“He got an injury, was out for a spell, has had no luck since he’s been back in and being off the track in both his last two starts. Sarah’s (O’Reilly) is on this week. Hopefully he’ll go better if he’s covered up.”

The talented Step It Up A Notch (Rock N Roll Heaven) draws wide (7) in the AON Winter Rewards Mobile Pace.

“He went super at his last start. Matty (Williamson) came in, was smiling and was hoping he didn’t have his one (Mighty Reactor) in this week. But he has. So we’ve put Sarah (O’Reilly) on. We have got a big opinion of him but from that draw it’ll be tough and it’s a smart field. But by the way he went at his last start I think he’ll be right in the mix.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink