5 Matamata Wins - No.1 Awesome Avondalay

Local trainer Mark Walker made the best possible start on 13 May at Matamata, when Avondalay (3 f Redoute's Choice - Miss Maren, by Stravinsky) won the $12,000 Maiden 1600 metres.

Beautifully bred by John Carter and owned in conjunction with Kevin Stocker and Jomara Bloodstock (John and Mark Carter and sister Rachael), Avondalay clocked fastest last 600m (34.7) when getting home from last on debut in a Maiden 1215 metres on 9 April at Rotorua, kept closing for third in the Pearl Series 1400 metres on 20 April at Matamata, and duly obliged at her third start.

Recording his 99^thwin for the season, leading jockey Michael McNab rode a patient race. Behind the bunch in 11^thand eight lengths astern 600m, Avondalay was quick to move rounding the home turn and once clear she sustained her run to prevail in a close four-way finish.

“She quickened up well once she got balanced in the straight,” McNab said. “She's really gutsy and I think that's going to take her a long way that will to win.”

Under clear skies, on ideal Soft5 footing, Avondalay ran 1600 metres in 1:37.9, last 600 in 37.9, and paid $2.70 & $1.40 as race favourite in the race sponsored by the Matamata Function Centre.

“She deserved that because she tries hard and it was a gutsy effort,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“She's scheduled to spell now, so it's nice to go out with a win. We'll give her a chance to mature. She'll be right next season and I expect her to appreciate quite a bit further, too.”

By the undisputed king of Australian sires, Redoute's Choice, a son of all-conquering Danehill (Danzig), his dam Miss Maren (Stravinsky) won eight times (1400m - 2000m) including the Easter Cup (Gr. 3, 2000m) at Caulfield, and was Group One placed in both the Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) and Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).

Avondalay was strapped by Tracy Collis.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz