3 minute read
Confidence. It’s one of those intangibles.
How you get it and how you lose it can turn on a dime.
In sport, it can be the difference between winning and losing.
For a long while Bondi Bubbles was pigeonholed in that losing category-the three-year-old couldn't buy a win.
A couple of second placings at Northam was holding the interest of owners and trainer, David Harrison.
Then came the dramatic change.
Relishing a change of environment in Esperance, Bondi Bubbles has reeled off six straight wins in a row.
The perennial maiden turned it all around and transformed to prolific winner.
Now an impregnable force in Esperance, Harrison hopes Bondi Bubbles can leapfrog to feature grade status in Saturday's Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m).
Harrison knows what it takes to win the race having completed the task previously with Pixie Chix (2022) and Gemma's Son (2021).
Harrison agrees the gulf between Esperance and a restricted listed race could be a bridge too far, but winning form is good form.
He says Bondi Bubbles deserves an opportunity to press his claims.
"It's hard to line him up running against Esperance horses, but he's been winning really well," Harrison said on Tabradio.
"He never had any confidence when he went down there (Esperance) and didn't know how to pass horses.
"I thought I'd take him to Esperance where they run their races opposite, instead of the last six hundred being the fastest the first six hundred is the fastest.
"He's now learnt to pass horses and I'm confident he's able to finish off his races against better company.
"He's actually getting fatter the longer he is going this preparation, so he's really enjoying it.
"Whether he is up to the class I don't know, but we're having a throw at the stumps and he has earned his chance, for sure."
Bondi Bubbles is currently $14 in TABtouch betting, in from $18. Stormchaser dominates the market at $1.85.
Bondi Bubbles will be ridden by Paul Harvey and has drawn barrier 11.
Harrison said Hot Puddin ($101) faces a sticky draw and Rubick Lass ($61) could be looking for more ground.
Meanwhile the incentive for Harrison to win the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic is history.
Harrison shares top billing with Trevor Andrews and can edge clear in his own right with Wotugot.
Wotugot hit the line for seventh behind Golden Vale last-start and made some good ground late after being forced to go back from a wide draw.
"I think Wotugot has a really good chance," Harrison said.
"The barrier brings her right in for sure.
"She should go where she wants to go now.
"We had to sit her back from a wide gate last time."
Jason Whiting will ride Wotugot, who has drawn barrier three.
Wotugot is $26 with TABtouch. Unbeaten Golden Vale is the hot $1.90 favourite.
Harrison commenced his record-sharing Magic Millions 2YO record with Rose Of Thunder (2003).
Later came Jericho Missile (2019), Gemma's Son (2020) and Western Fever (2011).
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