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Streets Of Avalon gallops at Sandown

3 minute read

A gallop between races at Sandown should have Streets Of Avalon near his peak for his Bletchingly Stakes return.

STREETS OF AVALON. Picture: Racing Photos

Shane Nichols has taken advantage of using Sandown for a gallop between races with his stable star Streets Of Avalon

The multiple Group 1 winner worked over 1000m, with regular jockey Zac B Spain aboard, between races on Wednesday in preparation for his return to racing in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday. 

Wednesday's gallop followed a trial victory over 950m at Traralgon last week. 

Following Streets Of Avalon's return in the Bletchingly, Nichols has the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 14 and the Group 1 Memsie Stakes over the same course and distance two weeks later pencilled in for the gelding. 

Nichols sees the Memsie Stakes as Streets Of Avalon's best chance of a Group 1 win in the spring. 

"I think he's going pretty well, we haven't got any issues," Nichols said. 

"He's done all the work, he's nice and sound and he's in good shape mentally although he's still a fraction wintry. 

"He's A-grade but not A-plus, so what we're trying to do is have a bit an advantage now by be a bit fitter for the Memsie. 

"Hopefully by starting in the Bletchingly he'll be a run ahead of the A-graders." 

After the Memsie, Nichols plans to lower his sights and target the Group 2 weight-for-age races. 

"Races like the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Toorak Handicap are not suitable as they are high pressure races with low-weighted horse which make it hard for him," Nichols said. 

"So, we might go to the Feehan Stakes and then that will determine whether we go to a Waterford Crystal at The Valley. 

"He probably won't have that many runs in the Group 1's this spring, he'll likely hop around those weight-for-age Group 2's because they are races that he is very competitive in."