by Chris Barsby
Triple Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova returns to racing this weekend.
The highly decorated pacer has not raced since failing in the Listed $25,540 Mr Feelgood Open Pace on July 1 at Albion Park, the performance left trainer Ian Gurney shocked and looking for answers.
Ultimately, the free-legged pacer missed the entire Brisbane winter carnival owing to the virus he contracted.
But now he’s back and ready for another campaign.
The Art Major gelding has performed nicely in two recent public trials at Albion Park, the latest last Sunday where he defeated stablemate Mach Alert in a time of 1:56.1.
Leading reinsman and regular driver Shane Graham, is fresh back from Canada where he represented Australia in the 2017 World Drivers Championship took the drive in the workout.
“It was a nice hit-out but he’s become a cunning old bugger and clearly knows the difference between raceday and trials. The difference is very obvious to me over the past twelve to eighteen months and he doesn’t tax himself as much as he once did.” Graham said.
On Saturday night, Avonnova resumes in the Seymour Group Open Pace over 1660m but will face stiff competition including his old sparring partner Ultimate Art, a winner of his past two starts at the track.
Avonnova has drawn the coveted inside gate while Ultimate Art has drawn alongside him in gate two meaning they could easily control the sprint event.
Giant pacer and last start winner Major Cam will require luck after landing gate six while classy mare Joys A Babe resumes following her winter carnival campaign.
“It’s look a good race on paper and it certainly boasts depth but coming up with the inside gate is a massive bonus, we all know his gate speed and he should prove hard to beat.
“I’ve looked at the replays of Ultimate Art since I’ve been home and he’s been very strong but he won’t be getting an easy lead like he did last start. I’m sure that connections of Ultimate Art will make me earn victory because they clearly have the fitness edge.
“These two horses have been great performers for a long period now and I’m sure there will be some great battles in the coming weeks and months.”
With over $900,000 in stakes, connections of Avonnova are hopeful he can break into the million dollar bracket before his racing days are over.
Two other key drives for Graham this weekend include classy performer Catcha Lefty and the speedy trotter Releven Dream.
Catcha Lefty, a former Queensland Derby winner starts in the Garrard’s Horse & Hound Pace over 2138m where he has drawn gate seven and chases a hat-trick of victories.
Releven Dream, the track record holder for the 2138m under mobile conditions resumes in the UBET Cash-Out Trotters Discretionary Handicap where he faces a 20m handicap.
“Both are high quality performers and should acquit themselves well in their respective events. I was happy with Catcha Lefty last week because the early burn from the wide draw took some sting out of him before holding them up the straight.
“Releven Dream is a very fast trotter and if he’s on his best behavior, he’ll make his presence felt in any race he contests. In saying that, it’s a tidy field and he’ll have some traffic issues at some point.”
Graham has driven 180 winners this current season.
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