Ken Casellas | Race Replay
Promising New Zealand-bred gelding In Rare Air ran an encouraging trial for the three-year-old $50,000 Pearl Classic on May 22 when he unwound a powerful burst to win the Free Entry Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
In Rare Air, trained by Greg and Skye Bond and driven by Deni Roberts, was a $7.30 chance who was not bustled early and was eighth at the bell before running home strongly to gain a last-stride victory over $5.50 chance American Machine, with the $2 favourite Ideal Beach a length farther back in third place.
Ideal Beach began from the No. 7 barrier and was trapped three wide early before being restrained back to last and then going forward after 700m to take the lead with 1200m to travel.
In Rare Air, a Bettors Delight gelding, has raced 13 times for four wins, six placings and stakes of $44,230. He has a bright future.
His victory was the first leg of a winning treble for the Bond stable and Roberts, who combined later in the evening for the wins of Heres Herbie and Mad Monday.
Heres Herbie, the $1.04 favourite, was not extended in winning the 2130m $9 Swan Draught Pints Pace, scoring by eight lengths from $41 chance Chase Me and rating a smart 1.55 after final quarters of 28.3sec. and 27.6sec.
Heres Herbie began from the back line, and Roberts sent him forward to take up the running after 650m. “He was a bit lackadaisical about getting to the front,” said Roberts. “Once he got there it was like trackwork.
“We have made a couple of gear changes and put a gaiting strap on him to help him get around the corner,” said Roberts. “He is a big boy who has trouble getting around tight corners. So, this helped him and he was a lot more tractable tonight.”
Roberts and the Bond stable continued in fine form at Kellerberrin on Sunday when their two starters When In Vegas and Chugach were successful.
Sammy Sufferall Loves Leading