Star pacers to step out at Albion Park

Two of the biggest names in the sport return to harness racing this weekend.

Brilliant four-year-old Bling It On and reigning Queensland Pacer of the Year Avonnova are both back in action following brief let-ups.

Bling It On returns on Friday night in the Drive It with Horsepower Pace while some 24 hours later Avonnova returns in the Garrards Horse & Hound Open Pace.

Both pacers are being aimed at features during the Brisbane winter carnival which starts officially on July 4 at Albion Park.

“It’s great to see two outstanding pacers back in action this weekend and like many, I’m looking forward to seeing both pacers strut their stuff as they build towards the feature events next month. The winter carnival is building nicely and these two horses will play a significant role in the promotion of the sport.” Albion Park Harness Racing Club Chairman David Fowler said.

Bling It On is no stranger to Queensland boasting several feature race victories including a clean sweep last season which netted the Queensland Derby, Gold Coast Derby, Redcliffe Derby, Futurity and the Nursery Pace series.

The Belinda and Luke McCarthy prepared pacer has not raced since finishing second in the Gr.1 $200,000 Chariots of Fire at TABCORP Park, Menangle on March 1 behind Kiwi star (Our) Sky Major in 1;51.5.

Bling It On was sent straight to Brisbane following a stylish trial at Menangle last Tuesday (June 9) and McCarthy is happy with his current condition.

“He paced in 1;52.4 and did it well, he still quite fat but he’s starting to trim down nicely and being a high profile horse we need to make he’s ready to go straight away. He’s probably still about 12 to 15kg above his normal racing weight,” Luke McCarthy said.

“He needed that spell following the Chariots because he’s never really had a big break apart from having 10 days here and there. We’re keen to get to Brisbane because there is no better time to race than winter in Brisbane, we plan to attack the 4yo Championship plus 4 & 5yo Championship but remain uncertain about the Sunshine Sprint.” He added.

Bling It On will start at unbackable odds after drawing the inside gate in the 1660m event.

Free-legged star Avonnova resumes on Saturday night and will tackle the open pace over 2647m first-up following his unplaced effort in the Inter Dominion Grand Final won by Beautide on March 1.

Co-owner and trainer Ian Gurney has given his star performer two recent public trials, the latest last Friday (June 12) at Albion Park in 1;54.8.

“I’m really happy with his condition and his latest trial was very pleasing, he cut the mile himself and he’s come through it very well so he’s ready to go now,” Gurney said.

“It’s a good quality field he tackles this weekend but I’m confident about his chances, I’m still working out whether to start him again before the Sunshine Sprint (July 4) or freshen him for that race.” He added.

Avonnova was placed in both the Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake last year behind champion pacer Im Themightyquinn.

by Chris Barsby