Bondy set for a good day at Winton

Mataura harness racing trainer Lyndon Bond will be taking some winning chances to the Central Southland Raceway at Winton on Saturday (May 27).

The team is spearheaded by quality four year old Step It Up A Notch (Rock N Roll Heaven) which contests Race Eight. The four year old sat parked at his last start at Ascot Park, was headed, but fought back to win by a neck. He’s drawn the outside of the front line on Saturday.

“We’ve always thought a bit of him. We had a bit of a problem for a wee bit but he’s turned his form around and he’s pretty special to the stable,” Bond said.

Aged trotter Swift Dream (Superfast Stuart) and recent addition Contessa’s Pride (Majestic Son) will front up in Race One.

Swift Dream charged home from the back at his last start and has won a workout since.

“He’s quite a nice horse with a very big motor. I think there’s a fair bit to come from him. He’s my best bet.”

Contessa’s Pride starts a fresh campaign for Bond, having transferred from Phil Williamson’s barn.

“She’s got a lot of ability. She’s currently stood down from the stand and has to go to the trials on Thursday. If she doesn’t go well she won’t start.”

Andover The Keys (Andover Hall) will start in Race Four. She appeared to have every chance at her last start two weeks ago but she didn’t finished her race out.

“She has her ups and downs. Her work’s been okay so we’re hoping for a nice showing.” 

Race Five looks winnable for Mamma Mia (Sweet Lou). She pulled hard at the back of the field in her last race on this track and was seen making good ground late, running a close up ninth.

“She didn’t really get sucked into the race. Everything sat and they sprinted home but she was finishing it off at the end.”

Tweedledee (Superfast Stuart) starts off the back mark (20 metres) in Race Seven. The ten win trotter locked wheels when looking to make ground at his last start.

“He’s taken a bit to come back up. He was going to be right in the race on Saturday but got checked out on the turn. He’s very well, so we’ll go and see what he can do off 20 metres.”

Bond is also caretaker trainer for the Jamie Gameson trained Eshelon (Kadabra) in Race One.

“She’s been a wee bit weak. Tony Stratford drove her at the workouts on Sunday and she came home nicely. We’ll head to the races and see what we can do,” Bond said. 

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink