Juniper was a TBWA Winner Of The Week in August and she kept her unbeaten record intact back at Belmont on Wednesday albeit by the skin of her teeth.
A Lynward Park homebred by Russian Revolution, Juniper went out an even-money favourite on the strength off that impressive debut but did things wrong in running under Willie Pike. She escaped unscathed to defeat Artie’s Storm (Flying Artie), Spanish Armada (Spiritjim) and Vienna Calling (I’m All The Talk) with no more than a neck between the first four home in the AFGRI Equipment Hcp (1200m).
“She won her maiden on a Heavy 9 and that’s suited her instead of the Good 4 today,” Pike explained. “She settled with plenty of give in the track first-up but was a bit of a hot-head skipping along on top of the ground.
“She stepped slow and made it hard for herself. She changed leads and wanted to rush everything at 100mph.”
Juniper’s dam Fontainebleau (Alfred Nobel) won a LR Belmont Oaks (2000m) and LR Starstruck Classic (1600m) for Lynward Park and she has a 2yo colt named Marshall (Yes Yes Yes) and a yearling colt by Farnan.
Her full pedigree bio can be viewed here
Lynward Park-bred graduate Back to Bondi had also won at Belmont last month before doubling up in the Wittens Irrigation Hcp (1700m) for an enthusiastic Belhus Racing Syndicate yesterday.
He led from the outset and despite being headed in the straight fought back to score by two lengths from Rosie Can Run (God Has Spoken) and Impressive Jewel (Playing God). “The tempo wasn’t strong and Hollie (Nottle) showed initiative to take over in front,” trainer Trevor Andrews said.
“He relaxed and let down nicely in the straight. We will keep him at a mile here and stepping up to 1800m at Ascot should be ideal.”
Back To Bondi is by Lynward Park resident Bondi and is the final foal from Black In Time (Blackfriars) who delivered 8 winners from 10 named foals. Her older full-brother Impact Rating won a LR Boulder Cup (1760m) and younger full-brother a Full Reign a LR Challenge Stakes (1500m).
Bondi (Snitzel) stands for a $6,600 (inc GST) fee and stud manager Troy van Heemst can be contacted for bookings and further details 0439 957 111 or troy@lynwardparkstud.com.au
