Bondi on track for Leeton

Dr Martin Hartnett and his wife Kaye, who have been staunch and successful supporters of harness racing over many years, may have another exciting youngster emerging.

Illawong Bondi posted a nice trial win recently at Shepparton.  The youngster sired by the popular Somebeachsomewhere USA is out of She Aint Fakin, a full sister to Blacks a Fake.

Understandably Tony has his fingers crossed for big things from Illawong Bondi, with such a fine pedigree.

"He is a well put-together horse and is doing everything we ask of him at the moment," Tony said.

"The plan is to race Illawong Bondi in the Leeton Breeders' Plate on Boxing Day.  The heats of the plate are $5100 and the final on New Year's Day is $40,000, so it would be a nice series to qualify for.

"Martin and Kaye deserve all the success that comes their way, because they have been fantastic supporters of the sport as owners and breeders for decades."

The Hartnetts have enjoyed success with many of the horses they have raced under the "Illawong" prefix.

Meanwhile...

Stable pin-up boy Barimah is bowling along nicely at St Fort, with his next assignment being the Cobram Cup on December 27.

The 5 yo Bettors Delight-sired gelding is in tip-top condition despite some tough racing of late.

"He had a few light days after his recent Yarra Valley Cup win and deservedly so," Tony said.

"This week we have started stepping him up again, and that wont hurt him -- he thrives on it," he said.