Triple Trio; Star performer Mach Alert is one of three excellent chances for trainer Ian Gurney in Saturday night's Gr.2 $50,000 Be Good Johnny Sprint at Albion Park. Photo by Dan Costello (The Racing Wrap)
Chambers Flat trainer Ian Gurney heads into the Gr.2 $50,000 Be Good Johnny Sprint at Albion Park this Saturday night boasting a full hand.
A triple threat of talent headed by reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova, emerging type Our Hi Jinx and the rejuvenated Mach Alert.
While the talent is obvious, it’s not all beer and skittles this weekend.
The barrier draw gods have been largely unkind for Gurney with stable star Avonnova drawing the outside of the second-line in the 1660m feature while Mach Alert has also been slammed with a second-line draw.
On the plus side, Our Hi Jinx has drawn perfectly after landing the inside gate.
“Following the draw, I now have one serious winning chance with Our Hi Jinx clearly looming as my top prospect with both Nova and Mach needing miracles. That’s the cold hard reality of it all, it’s not negativity, it’s just fact and most will realise its mathematically impossible to win from those second-line draws in a capacity sized field.” Gurney stated.
The Gurney trio all boast outstanding recent form with Our Hi Jinx and Mach Alert both last start winners while Avonnova was a runner-up behind Our Hi Jinx at his most recent start.
The local spring carnival features play a massive role in the preparation for the upcoming Perth Inter Dominion starting late next month at Gloucester Park with Gurney still yet to confirm how many of his runners head west.
“The local features are my first port of call and I’m keen to win all three races, I believe I have the right talent but obviously I need some luck on my side. I know Nova and Mach are heading over but I’m not certain with Jinx at this stage, the next three weeks are vital for him but I think he’s up to the challenge.
“I know many seemed disappointed with Nova last start but I don’t think Jinx got the credit he deserved, he’s battled niggling issues for some time but I’m confident he’s over them now and the victory confirmed that for me. I’m expecting him to trail Majestic Major and he’ll get every opportunity via the lane.
“We all know that barrier draws are crucial and both Nova and Mach will need a heap of luck from their draws, if they’re running 51.5 or 52 speed on the front end, what chance do they have coming wide and possibly dodging tiring runners? Both are in top shape but the math doesn’t lie, hopefully in the Gold Coast Cup and the QPC they will have better luck with the draws.”
The Grant Dixon prepared Majestic Major is looking for back to back victories in the Be Good Johnny Sprint following his all the way success last year in 1;54.1.
Next week, the Gr.1 $100,000 Hurrikane Kingcole Gold Coast Cup will be staged over 2138m followed by the Gr.1 $200,000 Queensland Pacing Championship over the 2680m.
The Queensland Pacing Championship is the opening leg of the 2015/16 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season.
