Written by Paul Vettise
Trainer Shane Nichols will fast track his stable star Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) back to Group 1 company after the durable sprinter return to top form in the G2 Australia S. at Moonee Valley.
Nichols produced the sprinter in forward condition for Friday evening’s feature sprint, and while it was far from a stellar edition of the race, it served to show the 6-year-old is the right order for the G1 Futurity S. next month.
“We’ll go and defend the Futurity and I don’t think he’ll run again before that," said Nichols.
“We’ll go and defend the Futurity and I don’t think he’ll run again before that.” – Shane Nichols
Streets Of Avalon turned in a career-best performance to beat the now Waikato Stud resident Super Seth and the high-class Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) at Caulfield last February.
Nichols said the gelding had been a slow-burner and continued to amaze him.
“He took a while to win his maiden and at three he struggled. The unique thing about him is that he’s improved from three to four and from four to five so who knows, maybe he’s improved from five to six,” he said. “That doesn’t often happen, but that’s the unique ability of this horse.”
Zac Spain and Shane Nichols
Spring forgotten
Streets Of Avalon didn’t come up as well as expected in the spring, but put that behind him when he was quickly into stride on Friday evening to settle in second spot.
When rider Zac Spain took him to the front at the top of the straight the race was over with favourite Viridine (Poet’s Voice {GB}) 1.75l in arrears at the post and pacemaker Tavisan (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was third.
“I thought he would be hard to beat after he landed in the perfect spot. The tempo was pretty good and once I saw Viridine come off the bridle I thought just enjoy the moment because it doesn’t happen that often,” Nichols said.
Spain on a high
Spain has been aboard Streets Of Avalon in all starts this preparation and celebrated the biggest win of his career to date in the Australia S.
“Credit goes to Shane and the ownership group, they’ve been extremely loyal to me,” he said. “People may have had doubts about him after his spring campaign, but he’s come back terrific," said Spain
“Credit goes to Shane and the ownership group, they’ve been extremely loyal to me. People may have had doubts about him after his spring campaign, but he’s come back terrific. - Zac Spain
“Tavisan jumped a bit better than me so I just wanted to make sure he had to work to cross me and then wanted to put the pressure on early.
“I know how tough he (Streets Of Avalon) is and once he balanced up I knew something would have to be pretty good to come off his back and beat him.
“To win a Group 2 is a massive thrill and racing is all about opportunities. When you get them you just grab them with both hands and try and get the job done.”
