Queensland trainer Ian Gurney has had a change of heart and will now target the $1.8 Million TABtouch Perth Inter Dominion later this year with his star pacer Avonnova.
Avonnova has been one of the true fairytale stories in the sport since Gurney claimed the gelding for just $20,000 in 2013.
During the recent Queensland Winter Carnival the pacer that wears no hobbles, finally broke through for his maiden Group 1 success in the Sunshine Sprint, which took his earnings since joining the Gurney stable to nearly half a million dollars.
“He’s just been a wonderful horse to me. I just love him and he had been so close in a few Group 1’s behind champions such as Im Themightyquinn and Beautide, so it was great to see him win the Sunshine Sprint,” Gurney said.
Gurney initially was concerned Avonnova would struggle with the Inter Dominion format of three runs in a week, but after working the son of Art Major on Wednesday he quickly changed his mind.
“I couldn’t believe the way he worked and then I had a look at the calendar and there was nothing for him here, so I got onto the phone to Mick Radley (Chief Executive of Gloucester Park) and organised travel arrangements.
“Gloucester Park should suit him and if he draws to lead in his heats he will be more than competitive and you can’t bypass a series worth $1.3 million dollars when you have a horse like Avonnova in your backyard,” Gurney said.
Gurney will now prepare his star for the Queensland Spring Carnival in October before flying to Perth a couple of weeks before the series starts.
“I’m also going to take Mach Alert across to Perth, and I think he will also be really competitive. He’s starting to find his best form and is another with a gate speed that should be suited to WA racing.”
“I went to Perth a few weeks ago and loved it, so I can’t wait to get over there,” Gurney said.
Regular driver, and Queensland’s best, Shane Graham, will drive Avonnova in the Inter Dominion.
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