TUESDAY: August 10, 2021: THE name’s Bond. Mr Bond.
He might carry the name of the most famous secret agent – but there’s nothing secretive about his form!
The promising stayer added to his blossoming record and continued leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup’s impressive start to the season when he turned in another excellent performance at his home track today.
A well-backed $3 favorite, the lightly-raced former Kiwi successfully carried his 60kg topweight to outstay his rivals in the HRC Motel Benchmark 64 Handicap (2100m).
Brad claimed his fourth winner in a week as Hawkesbury trainers lifted their tally of winners to 10 in the first 10 days of the new season.
He scored with Nags To Riches on the Kensington track last Wednesday, Cobia the following day at Kembla Grange, and debutante Ausbred Flirt at Newcastle last Saturday.
“It’s great to get the season off to such a good start,” Brad said this evening.
“We’ve worked hard, and it’s terrific to get the results, especially for our owners and staff.”
Patiently ridden by Jay Ford, Mr Bond was strong to the line to defeat De Valera ($4.20), to whom he conceded 4kg, and Riverstock ($9.50).
Mr Bond has now his last two starts at 2100m, and his trainer is confident he can extend that to at least 2400m at his next assignment.
“He relaxes well, so I can’t see why he won’t manage further,” Brad said.
“He is certainly going the right way.”
Brad is eyeing either a Benchmark 78 Handicap at Royal Randwick on Saturday week – where his talented mares Icebath, Adelong and Vulpine all will begin new campaigns in Group 3 races – or a Benchmark 72 Handicap at Warwick Farm on September 1.
Brad had three runners at today’s meeting, and also notched minor placings with Enjolras ($13) and Supertanker ($13).
Snitzel three-year-old Enjolras was doing his best work at the end of the 1600m of the Blakes Marine Class 1 Handicap, and looks as though he will relish even longer, especially as his well-performed dam Scarlett Lady (by Savabeel) was a dual Group 1 winner, including the 2011 Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm.
Consistent mare Supertanker made the running in the Lander Toyota Class 1 Handicap (1300m) and had her chance, posting her seventh placing with her solitary win to date also being on her home track in September last year.