Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Hillview Bondi went into Friday night’s HTA Reaching For The Top Pace over 2536m with a record of eleven wins, four over 1730m and the other seven in events between 2100m and 2190m. His only runs over 2536m resulted in a seventh and an eleventh placing.
Reinsman Kyle Symington therefore was pleasantly surprised that the WA-bred five-year-old prepared by Ryan Bell was able to set a brisk pace and go on and win convincingly.
“He must have gained confidence from his win when he led over 1730m the previous week,” said Symington.
Hillview Bondi was the $3.60 second favourite from barrier three, with Whos The Dad the $3 favourite from out wide at barrier No. 8.
Whos The Dad settled down in eighth position in the field of nine before Shannon Suvaljko sent him forward with a three-wide burst 700m after the start to race in the breeze. He battled on gamely, but did not seriously challenge the pacemaker, finishing third, with $10 chance Getn Wiggy Withit finishing strongly to snatch second place.
Hillview Bondi now has earned $102,583 from 12 wins and 18 placings from 54 starts.