The Shane Nichols-trained Streets Of Avalon was a tenacious winner of the PFD Food Services Futurity S. and with it he secured a spot in the $5 million All-Star Mile. While it’s a distance that has troubled him in the past, there’ll be no stepping back from the challenge.
The free-going Streets Of Avalon has won in lesser company up to 1500 metres and Nichols is already considering his options to get a little more out of the 5-year-old in three weeks’ time.
“Bring on the All-Star Mile now. We might tinker a bit and with the blinkers on he doesn’t really get the mile so we might pull them off,” Nichols said. “We might as well have a crack at the big cash, we’re very proud of him.”
Streets Of Avalon had finished runner-up in an open handicap at his previous appearance and the Futurity became a serious option when the early entries were light.
“We knew the noms were strong or big in numbers and there didn’t seem any natural leader in the race either,” Nichols said. “The staff took him to the beach last Sunday and he was in good nick. He does back up well, as you’ve seen.”
Streets Of Avalon returning to scale with his winning connections
It proved a masterstroke and Streets Of Avalon jumped well to take up the running and he had enough in reserve to see off the challenge of the 3-year-old Super Seth (Dundeel {NZ}), who was on his quarters all the way.
“I just assumed that Super Seth was going to get us. It wasn’t until the last 100 metres that I thought, hang on a minute, we’re going pretty well and I knew he wouldn’t wilt,” Nichols said.
“It wasn’t until the last 100 metres that I thought, hang on a minute, we’re going pretty well and I knew he wouldn’t wilt.” – Shane Nichols
“Super Seth stalked him, but gee my horse is tough and he had the 59kg. It was an amazing effort to get home.”
The Mornington conditioner was also quick to acknowledge the back room efforts of his staff.
“Look, I stand here and take all the accolades, but the staff treat this horse like a God. They give him whatever he wants and they keep him happy,” he said.
“This time of the year we spend a lot of time at the sales, we’re at the Gold Coast, New Zealand and Sydney. I’m away a lot so I rely on them to do the job.”
Shane Nichols
Rider Ben Melham was also very positive earlier in the week about running Streets Of Avalon.
“I spoke to Shane and said you’d be mad not to run him. There weren’t many acceptors and not much speed,” Melham said.
“He’s very honest and he’s not overly big and this looked the right set up for him. He was able to dictate terms and it was a deserved Group 1.
“He’s very honest and he’s not overly big and this looked the right set up for him.” – Ben Melham
“Shane Nichols is a good bloke and we have a bit of a laugh at Mornington. It’s good to repay him and his good group of staff with a Group 1.”
Super Seth had every chance, but was gallant nevertheless and they were clear of Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) with the runner-up’s half-brother Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) next to cross the line.
“It was a super run and Opie (Bosson) said that will really bring her on for the All-Star in three weeks,” said Paul Richards, father of trainer Jamie. “She ran very well and we’ll just keep ticking her over.”
Bred by Phil Warren who remains in the ownership, Streets Of Avalon is a son of Kamuniak (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe {USA}) and she is a sister to the former champion New Zealand 2-year-old and dual Group 1 winner Jokers Wild (NZ).
It’s also the family of the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Overreach (Exceed And Excel), the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Reward For Effort (Exceed And Excel) and the rising star and last-start G2 Expressway S. winner Standout (Exceed And Excel).
