Can history repeat for Bondi?

19 February 2022

POPULAR Victorian horseman Aaron Dunn hopes recent history can continue when he heads to Club Menangle on Saturday night.

Dunn has made the trek across the Murray for the prestigious Chariots Of Fire with Bondi Lockdown which is a $3.40 TAB Fixed Odds favourite in early markets for the Group One.

The Australian Pacing Gold purchase earned his position in the $250,000 Cordina Chicken Farms-sponsored sprint by capturing the Four-Year-Old Bonanza at Tabcorp Park Melton a fortnight ago.

Four of the past five Bonanza winners have been successful in the Chariots Of Fire during their next outing!

“You don’t get the chance to have a runner in those kinds of races very often and I’m excited to be going,” Dunn said. “It’s another step up for the Chariots as you would expect.

“Those going up from Victoria after the Bonanza have had a pretty good strike rate during the past few years, so with a bit of luck that can continue with us on Saturday night.

“He has been working sensationally since his last run and will definitely strip fitter, but he will need to be.

“As long as he gets an even go at them he will be right in the finish.”

To Dunn’s dismay, Bondi Lockdown has drawn towards the outside of the front row in barrier 11.

The four-year-old slots into nine with the removal of the emergencies.

“The draw hasn’t helped,” Dunn said. “We’re going to need a bit of luck from there, particularly at the start.

“On his run last week Rock N Roll Doo is the one to beat and at least we have drawn inside of him.”

Elsewhere on the card, another top Victorian – Maajida – will defend her Robin Dundee Stake title for record-breaking trainer Emma Stewart.

A solid fifth in last weekend’s Sibelia Stake at Club Menangle, Maajida has drawn to figure prominently from barrier three.

The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere is attempting to secure a berth in the famed Ladyship Mile on February 26.

“She came from barrier three when she won the Robin Dundee Stake last season so hopefully the draw is a good sign,” Stewart said.

“She will be a lot fitter for two runs back from a freshen-up, so we expect a good showing from her.”

The strong card also includes a pair of New South Oaks heats, with classy filly Madrid to lead the local brigade.

Prepared by Jarrod Alchin, the daughter of Art Major will come from gate three in the second qualifier, with New Zealand-bred youngster, Just Remember Me, the main danger from barrier 10.

Amore Vita, trained by the Victorian-based Nathan Purdon, shapes as a standout in the first heat despite drawing awkwardly in barrier seven.