By Chris BarsbyReigning Queensland Pacer of the Year Avonnova will remain in full work.
The free-legged pacer was a beaten favourite in last week’s Gr.2 $50,000 Redcliffe Gold Cup after being wiped out at the start in a messy stand start event.
Several horses were severely interfered with at the start including defending champion Majestic Major who made contact with Avonnova.
But co-owner and trainer Ian Gurney will press on and keep building towards his next major target.
“He doesn’t need any more time off, he some time off after the Inter Dominion earlier this year and he’s only had four runs back this preparation. Plus, he’s a rising nine-year-old so I will just keep him ticking over as we push for the Queensland Pacing Championship in October.” Gurney said.
Avonnova claimed his maiden Group One victory during the recent Brisbane winter carnival at Albion Park when he led throughout to win the $100,000 Sunshine Sprint on July 4.
The Art Major – Mini Slick gelding was placed third in the $125,000 Blacks A Fake behind star Victorian Philadelphia Man after starting from a nasty second-line draw.
The Queensland Pacing Championship traditionally kicks off the Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season and Gurney is focused on winning the state’s biggest event.
Avonnova was a runner-up last year behind For A Reason.
“The spring carnival is the next major focus for him and I’d like to go one better this year, we went close last year but hopefully we can turn that around this year. He will tackle the Gold Coast Cup in lead-up to the QPC.
“He goes best on the fresh side so I will try and space his runs, I will look for races every couple of weeks in the next month or two before screwing him right down for October and onwards. I won’t be going to Perth for the Inter Dominion and the New Zealand Cup is the long range target.
“I like the way the New Zealand Cup builds so we will start making some enquiries in the coming weeks, I’m keen to head over and give it a crack. The fact that it’s a long staying race will suit plus I can go into that race with his normal routine of being a fresh.”
Nominations for the $750,000 New Zealand Cup close next Wednesday, August 12.
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