Away from New Zealand for close to 10 years, Graham Bond got back on the board at Addington on Thursday night.
Better known around the traps as Bondy, the colourful character, who used to be domiciled in Rakaia, but is now training out of West Melton gained his first winner since returning home when he produced Superfecta to win the highest assessed pace of the night on Thursday, lowering the colours of some tidy individuals in the process.
Bond spent the majority of his time away from New Zealand in Western Australia training the odd horse but has returned to his native land and is back training here while also helping out at the Kentuckiana Lodge stables of Cran Dalgety.
Bond has 74 New Zealand winners next to his name with many handy types along the way.
Microscopic who he trained to win 10 would be the best of them – his list of victories included success in the Group One Easter Cup when driven by John Hay.
Other notable performers from his stable over the years have included; Scottish Sailor (six wins), Amiable Poplar (six wins), Beaudiene Byrd, Sun Lover and Royal Wren (all three wins).
Thursday night’s winner, Superfecta was acquired by Bond when he returned to New Zealand from the stable of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen.
A winner of four races prior to joining his care, Superfecta finished second first up for his new trainer before being late scratched at the barrier at Amberley after refusing to face the starter.
He finished second at the Cheviot meeting behind the talented Gotta Go Ya Hu and once Blair Orange managed to secure the trail on Thursday night the five-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight was always going to be a chance.
He burst through the passing lane and held off a brave A G’s Whitesocks to claim the victory in a slick 1:55.2 mile rate.
Earlier in the night Spanish Armada booked herself a spot in the Group One $140,000 Nevele R Fillies Final on May 12.
The All Stars filly was handled by Tim Williams in the absence of regular pilot Natalie Rasmussen and made things look all too pedestrian as she strode to the front, dictated terms, and then jogged her way down to the line.
Delightful Memphis emerged from the pack to finish second – all but assuring herself a spot in the final while Mossdale Rose and Seaswift Joy both produced tidy efforts.
Three heats remain in the series with one at Cambridge, another at Forbury and then the final chance to qualify at Addington late in April.
Partyon will be expected to contest one of those heats as she looks to continue her incredible career.
Spanish Armada was one of two winners for the All Stars with The Devil’s Own producing an impressive effort to win the two-year-old event in the hands of Williams.
The half-brother to well-credentialed pacer, Devil Dodger was far too good for his rivals in a very slick time.
Matt Markham