By Chris Barsby
Leading Queensland reinsman Shane Graham has enjoyed his best season to date.
His highlight reel features over 200 winners and countless feature race victories to date.
But his biggest test comes this Saturday night at Albion Park when he takes the drive behind reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova in the Gr.1 $125,000 UBET Blacks A Fake.
Avonnova, secured his maiden Gr.1 victory at his most recent start when he led throughout in the $100,000 Garrards Sunshine Sprint two weeks ago.
Now, Graham has to plot his path to greatness after the free-legged pacer was slammed with a shocking second-line draw in Saturday’s feature over the staying distance of 2680m.
“It wasn’t the draw that I was hoping for and I’m sure Gurn (Ian Gurney – owner & trainer) would agree with me. It really took the wind out of my sails when we got the news. The draw was crucial for this race and I thought it was a case of make or break because at this level, there isn’t a great deal that separates the winners and losers.” Graham said.
Star Victorian pacer Philadelphia Man is fresh blood in this week’s feature and has drawn ideally in gate five for the powerful combination of Emma Stewart and Gavin Lang.
The highly regarded pacer scored a commanding first-up victory at TABCORP Park, Melton last Friday when he led throughout in a time of 1;56.6 for the 2240m event.
Kiwi raider Smolda has also drawn awkwardly in gate eight, the inside of the second-line.
Avonnova has returned in fine form winning both starts to date, a comfortable first-up victory over the Blacks A Fake distance before his all the way success last start in the Sunshine Sprint.
“At first glance you would expect Philadelphia Man to roll forward and look for the lead, the combination of Stewart and Lang is such a formidable one and they ‘re obviously confident they can take the prize if they’re heading all this way from their Ballarat base.
“I’m not sure how to map my journey and I will talk to Gurn later in the week to see what he thinks, do we push forward as quickly as possible and try and keep close to Philadelphia Man or do I sit back and drive for a little bit of luck.
“One thing I do know is that he’s felt great in his two runs back this prep; he’s very relaxed and he’s very fit. Maybe if we’re not involved in the early burn that may give us an extra kick at the finish. The track is in great order and they’ll be running solid time so it will be a genuine test for all involved.”
Avonnova was a runner-up in this event last year which was won by champion pacer Im Themightyquinn.
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