Racing: Butt eyes special bond

Bondy meets a top line-up in the Avon City Ford Cup at Addington. Photo / Harness Racing Victoria

David Butt can't think of a better way to bring up his 1000th driving win than with Bondy at Addington tonight.

And the Canterbury trainer-driver says it may only take a safe beginning in the $20,000 Avon City Ford Cup to achieve that goal.

Bondy returns in the first major pace of the season, having not raced since his fourth in the Auckland Cup in March, a race which capped a wonderful summer, during which he won the Hunter Cup and two Interdominion heats.

Butt says that while Bondy is now nine, he feels just as good as when he was winning those races.

"He has come up really well and has had three trials so he is ready to show his best," said Butt.

"A lot will depend on the start but if he begins as quickly as usual he will take some catching."

That would provide a perfect milestone for Butt who has been stranded on 999 New Zealand career driving wins for two months.

"It is taking a while but I'd like to get to 1000 with him because he has been such a great horse for us."

To do that, Bondy will have to hold out open-class newcomer Stunin Cullen and the Brendon Hill trio of Monkey King, Power Of Tara and Tennis Ball.

Hill holds the keys to the race and says Monkey King is the best of his three chances even though he is not at his peak.

"He is the best chance because he is the best horse, simple as that," said Hill. "He is fit enough without being at his peak but I wouldn't be scared to see him put in the race and I think he can win."

Monkey King comes into the outside of the front line, which should help him step safely, something he didn't do in his comeback race last year when he galloped, lost 30m and then stormed home for second to Bondy.

"I think he will step all right because he has been good at the trials recently," said Hill.

While he says Tennis Ball will need to be driven quietly to obtain his best winning chance tonight, Hill believes Power Of Tara could be the surprise package, not only tonight but in the months ahead.

"People underrate him but I think he can win a good race," said Hill.

"He is working well and was only a length off Monkey in their trial last week. He will be better for his race this week but I wouldn't be surprised if he won."

Later on the night, Hill is confident Ultimate Player can upset favourite Empyrean in the last race.

Hill has always had a huge opinion of Ultimate Player but his manners have often let him, and punters, down.

He meets a high-class 3-year-old in Empyrean but Hill says his charge may be ready to repay punters' faith.

"He is working really well and seems far more settled so tell your readers they can back him with a bit of confidence."

STARS RETURN
* The South Island's best pacers return at Addington tonight.
* Monkey King, Bondy and Stunin Cullen headline the free-for-all pace.
* Trainer Brendon Hill opts for Monkey King as the best of his three chances.
* David Butt is looking for career driving win 1000 behind Bondy.