Derby runner-up Bondeiger to resume in CS Hayes

Danny O’Brien will follow a proven format as he aims Victoria Derby runner-up Bondeiger at the Australian Guineas.

O’Brien plans to replicate the program that saw him net the Australian Guineas with Shamus Award last year and Shamrocker in 2011.

Both Shamus Award and Shamrocker won the Group 1 at their respective second-up starts.

Shamus Award was placed first-up in the CF Orr before winning the Australian Guineas while Shamrocker finished fourth in the Vanity behind Southern Speed when she resumed on route to her Guineas win.

O’Brien said Bondeiger, which prominent owner Johnny O’Neill recently purchased a share in, is still at his Barwon Heads property with the $150,000 CS Hayes Stakes (1400 m) at Flemington on February 21 his resumption date.

“We’re really pleased with him,” enthused O’Brien.

“He’s still down at the farm, he’s strengthened up, he’s done really well since the spring.”

Bondeiger was beaten a head by Preferment in the Victoria Derby and O’Brien noted that Shamrocker ran second behind Brazilian Pulse in the Crown Oaks before her Australian Guineas triumph.

O’Brien said he had not finalised what route he would take with Maribyrnong Plate winner Prompt Return to the Blue Diamond.

He said Prompt Return, which finished second behind Carriages in the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic on November 22, was also at his Barwon Heads complex.

O’Brien said Prompt Return could run in the Blue Diamond Preview (1000 m) at Sportingbet Park on Australia Day or run in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100 m) along with stablemate Ragazzo Del Corsa, winner of Saturday’s Better Beyond Plate at Flemington. 

Story by Adrian Dunn, to view full Racing Network story click here

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