Racing: Bondy aims for Hunter

North Canterbury pacer Bondy was booked to fly to Australia from Christchurch yesterday, with the Hunter Cup as his mission.

Bondy won a trial from 40m at Addington on Wednesday in 3:23.5 for 2600m, the last 600m in 58.

The 8-year-old missed the NZ Cup in November because of a blood disorder and has not raced since finishing fifth in the Ashburton Flying Stakes on October 26.

Bondy had won his previous four starts, including the Hannon Memorial at Oamaru.

"He has won his two trials back from a break although the fields have not been strong," Peter Cates, his Ashburton part-owner said.

Bondy was to be accompanied to Australia by Woodend Beach co-trainer David Butt.

He has a race at Ballarat on January 30 as a leadup to the A$400,000 Hunter Cup at Moonee Valley a week later.