Leading driver Shane Graham isn’t feeling the pressure ahead of the weekend.
Well, not that he’s letting on anyway.
The former Australian Driver of the Year has an excellent book of drives at Albion Park this Saturday night, including several key runners in feature events.
Graham will drive his ‘mate’ and triple Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova in the main event, the Gr.2 $50,000 Flags Of All Nations Gold Coast Cup, a race that will signal his retirement from racing.
And the big striding Art Major gelding will start from the inside gate in the 2138m feature meaning it could be a fairytale finish for the one time claimer.
Last week, Avonnova led before being nabbed late via Iam Mr Brightside in the sprint lane in the Christmas Cup.
“It would be great to see him go out a winner; he deserves that because he’s been such a great horse for a long period of time. He was ok last week but the old Nova would’ve raced clear in the concluding stages given the sectionals he got early in that race, time waits for nothing and unfortunately Nova is no different.” Graham said.
Avonnova will face stiff opposition from the likes of last week’s conqueror Iam Mr Brightside plus fellow New South Wales pacer Shannonsablast while local threats include Glenferrie Hood, Alleluia and Caesars Folly.
Former New Zealand pacer Watch Pulp Fiction is the mystery runner; the high priced purchase makes his local debut for astute couple Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen.
UBET have installed Avonnova as the favourite at $3.60.
Other key drives for Graham include in-form trotter Releven Dream in the other feature, the Gr.2 $40,000 Statewide Group Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Championship Final while last start Queensland Derby winner Catcha Lefty resumes in the Egmont Park Sprintlane Pace.
Releven Dream is unbeaten through the series to date, winning both heats courtesy of his brilliant speed.
The Albion Park 2647m stand start track record holder is listed as the favourite with UBET at $3 from the Sydney trained Visualise.
“He’s been excellent in both heats so far, I’m confident as much as you can be with trotters. It’s a big field with traffic to negotiate plus night time conditions but his speed sets him apart from his rivals.
“I’m also expecting a big showing from Catcha Lefty first-up; he looks and feels super in the trials. He’s a class horse and a Derby winner, his trials against open class rivals in recent weeks have been very impressive and although this race boasts strong depth, I wouldn’t swap drives.”
Connections of Catcha Lefty are eyeing a Sydney campaign with the Gr.1 Chariots of Fire the main aim on February 11.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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