Ian Gurney walked away a happy man.
The likeable trainer produced his stable stars Avonnova and Mach Alert at the Albion Park trials today (Tuesday) and both worked sharply in the 1660m workout.
Mach Alert, handled by Vin Langdon led throughout defeating the Mark Dux driven Avonnova who sat directly behind his stablemate in a time of 1:55.9.
Sectionals were recorded in 28.9, 31.3, 28.8 and 27.2 seconds.
The winning margin was 1.75 metres.
“I was happy with both, they both got a good hit-out and attacked the line really well so it’s a pleasing start point for me. I’m likely to give them another trial before finding a race in the coming weeks.” Gurney said.
Avonnova, a triple Queensland Horse of the Year, has not raced since finishing 4th behind Glenferrie Hood in the Remembering “Good Lookin Girl” Open Pace on January 20 at Albion Park.
Gurney is hoping his star performer can crack the million dollar earnings barrier in the coming months.
The Art Major gelding requires another $42,000 to surpass the magical figure.
Mach Alert, a multiple feature race winner, has not raced since finishing second behind Major Cam at Albion Park back on September 9.
The speedy son of Mach Three has not won since scoring at Albion Park back in April last year.
His biggest victory came via the 2013 Gr.1 $100,000 Coca Cola Sprint at TABCORP Park, Menangle.
And to complete the day for Gurney, former glamour pacer Ideal Scott led throughout in the Changeover @ Burwood Stud Open Pace in a time of 1:54.4.
Vin Langdon took the winning drive in the 1660m event.
Ideal Scott is a multiple feature race winner with the Great Northern Derby and Queensland Pacing Championship amongst his feature race triumphs.
The American Ideal gelding has earnings in excess of $840,000.
Expect to see plenty more of Gurney’s three pronged attack in the open class ranks in the coming weeks.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | March 13 | Photo by Dan Costello