Bondeiger Tough to Beat in Vobis Gold Stayers

Darren Weir is confident that classy entire Bondeiger will be very hard to beat when he lines up for the Vobis Gold Stayers (2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Bondeiger (centre, orange cap) is primed for his third-up run in the Vobis Gold Stayers at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Sarah Ebbett

Bondeiger (centre, orange cap) is primed for his third-up run in the Vobis Gold Stayers at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Sarah Ebbett

Bondeiger began his racing career under the guidance of Danny O’Brien in 2014, but was transferred to the care of Weir following something of a lacklustre preparation through the recent autumn racing season.

The son of War Pass took plenty of benefit from a first-up run for fifth in the Kevin Dunne Plate (2000m) first-up on July 2nd and travelled like the winner in the Rockmount Pretraining Handicap (2000m) last time out on July 16th, but was completely luckless in the final straight and blocked; eventually finishing fifth.

Weir told Racing Ahead he was confident the four-year-old was primed for a return to winning form second-up, and he has only taken more benefit from the run and work leading into the Vobis Gold Stayers.

“He should have been in the winner’s circle last time,” Weir said.

“He’s gone on nicely since, the step up shouldn’t be a problem and I’m happy with the horse.

“He galloped well during the week, we’ve just kept him ticking over and he looks in great shape.”

Weir has retained the services of premiership contender Craig Williams for Bondeiger’s run in the Vobis Gold Stayers, and is confident the hoop will have no issue steering the horse to success on Saturday.

“I think Craig knew what happened last time, he just needs to stay away from them!” Weir said with a laugh.

Bondeiger undoubtedly found career-best form to date as a three-year-old through the 2014 edition of the Spring Carnival; peaking with an impressive run for second behind Preferment in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m).

Left in the paddock through the 2015 autumn, Bondeiger was unable to return to winning form through the subsequent Spring Carnival but still managed a number of credible results including a well-fought fourth in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m).

Bondeiger has been charged with carrying only 57.5kgs in the Vobis Gold Stayers and will leave from the ideal barrier 5.

Bondeiger is currently available at Vobis Gold Stayers odds of $3 with Ladbrokes Australia.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.