With the winter carnival features just around the corner, everything is in readiness.
That’s the case for established trotting star Our Overanova who solidified his claims following his near track record breaking victory at Albion Park last night (Saturday).
Starting from a 50m handicap, the Grant Dixon trained and driven multiple feature race winner proved too classy defeating Justabitnoisy and Master Hugh in the Haras Des Trotteurs Handicap.
The Monarchy gelding rated 2:00.9 – originally the time was posted at 2:00.1.
Our Overanova holds the Albion Park 2647m standing start track record at 2:00.3.
“Either way, it was a great effort and I’m very happy with his current form, he’s a great horse and always performs at a very high level every time he steps onto a track. He’s right where I want him going into the carnival features in the coming weeks.” Dixon said.
The Albion Park winter carnival takes place on July 7, 14 and 21.
And Racing Queensland has reshaped the program which now features several trotting features including the $14,999 Haras Des Trotteurs FFA (July 7), the Gr.2 $30,630 Seelite Windows & Doors Queensland Trotters Cup (July 14) and the Gr.3 $20,630 Haras Des Trotteurs Trotters Marathon (July 21).
The distance range begins at 2138m (mobile start) before going to 2647m and then 3157m, the last two features under stand start conditions.
Our Overanova is going to be a threat in each of the features while that sets up a potential clash with the rising local star, former New Zealand mare Needle.
“We’re definitely aiming at all of the features and I’m confident he will prove very competitive in each and every race he contests. Obviously the handicap events will prove a little difficult because he’s likely to be giving away a big start as per usual.
“He was really sharp and felt strong through the line while the time backs it up; he’s in really good shape at the moment.
“I’m not sure what may be coming up from down south but I’m sure the talent will be there. Given how the carnival is structured, it will grab the attention of a few southerners while Needle looks really promising and richly talented.”
Our Overanova is raced by GSM Racing, Greg and Sharon Mitchell and the couple have enjoyed tremendous success this season.
In particular, their success with the trotters has been obvious with the likes of Our Overanova, Mister Gunsen, Foursharesmorebeers, Southern Alps and Astral Ruler.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | June 24 | Photo by Dan Costello