by Chris Barsby
Triple Queensland Pacer of the Year Avonnova has passed his first test.
The free-legged warrior is fresh out of retirement and finished a narrow second beaten a half neck in a 1660m Albion Park trial yesterday in a time of 1:57.1.
Sectionals were covered in 29.6, 31.9, 28.3 and 27.5 seconds.
It was his first public outing since winning the Gr.2 $50,000 Gold Coast Cup at Albion Park on December 17 in near track record time.
And trainer Ian Gurney was thrilled with the effort yesterday (Tuesday).
“That was a perfect trial for his return, it was nice even speed throughout and he did some work in the run before finishing it off nicely in the straight. I’m very pleased with what he did.” Gurney said.
In a field of seven, the Art Major gelding drifted back to the rear early before working around to sit outside the leader and eventual winner Girl With Fire at the half way stage.
With regular reinsman Shane Graham sitting quietly over the concluding stages, Avonnova just failed to reel in the leader in the sprint to the line.
“He came in and had a good blow but his recovery was very good considering he’s had a good break away from the races. Shane was very happy with the effort and said it was great starting point for his latest campaign.
“He’ll definitely have another trial and maybe even another depending on how he performs in the next trial, I’ll make that call after his trials and then we’ll look for a start point.
“I know the winter carnival is looming and it would be great to be part of the action again but at this stage I have no set plans for him. If his form warrants a start in the bigger races during the carnival, then we’ll look at it but for now I’m happy to have him back.”
Avonnova has won 49 of his 154 starts while banking close to $900,000 in prizemoney.
The Albion Park winter carnival features are programmed for July 1, 8 & 15.
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