All So Easy for Streets Of Avalon in Australia Stakes

Mark Smith - Friday January 22

It took eight preparations for Streets Of Avalon to win first up, and the six-year-old son of Magnus chose the right spot to do it in Friday nights Group II Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Fifth Stakes success for Streets Of Avalon (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

Ridden by Zac Spain, the Shane Nichols-trained gelding travelled sweetly on the outside of Tavistan. Making the turn for home, it was clear that Streets Of Avalon had the measure of the odd-on favourite Viridine who had come off the bit and was making hard work of it.

Streets Of Avalon held Viridine by one and three-quarter lengths with Tavisan a short-neck back in third.

With his fifth stakes win Streets Of Avalon advances his record to nine wins, nine seconds and nine thirds from 53 starts with earnings of $1,399,700.

"He's unbelievable, a six-year-old who has had 53 goes," Nicholls enthused.

"We were a bit worried that he had a few soft tissue issues, and is not as fluent as what he has been. When the adrenaline kicks in he can really find the line.

Advertisement

"A lot of credit goes to the team that looks after this horse.

"I thought all the way he would be hard to beat. He landed in a perfect spot, and the tempo was pretty good. When I saw Viridine come off the bridle, I thought just enjoy this moment because it doesn't happen that often.

"He took a while to win his maiden then at three he struggled. The unique thing with him he improved from three to four, from four to five and who knows from five to six.

"We bought a heap of yearlings at the Gold Coast last week, so hopefully this will get a few sold.

"We will try to defend the (Group 1) Futurity next. I don't think he will run again before that, but we will nurse him through and have another crack."

A homebred for Warren Racing, Streets Of Avalon is the best of three winners from five to race out of the Black Minnaloushe mare Kamuniak, a $75,000 yearling purchase the 2009 NZB Premier Yearling Sale.

Kamuniak is a sister to the Champion 2YO in NZ in 2005-06, Joker Wild who numbered the Group 1 ARC Diamond Stakes and Group 1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes among his seven wins.

Magnus

A three-year-old sister to Streets Of Avalon, Orlando Grove,  finished second on debut before breaking her maiden at Sandown at her most recent start on January 6. She could not improve on that record when finishing midfield the valuable Chandler Macleod Vobis Gold Carat later on in the night at Moonee Valley.

Kamuniak hs an unraced 2yo filly by Starspangledbanner named Stormy Mistress After foaling a Magnus colt last spring, Kamuniak was bred back to the Sun Stud stalwart.

Advertisment

Race Result - Australia Stakes Gr2 1200m

Moonee Valley Track: Good(3) Time: 1:10.06
1
Streets Of Avalon
- 6g Magnus (AUS) x Kamuniak (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe (USA))
Tnr: S P Nichols Rdr: Zac Spain 58.5
Magnus
2
1.8
Viridine
- 6g Poet's Voice (GB) x Patina (AUS) (Anabaa (USA))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: D Oliver 58.5
3
2.0
Tavisan
- 5g Tavistock (NZ) x Evanescence (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: Jamie Kah 58.5
Inglis April (Early) Online Sale $12,000
Seller: M.G Price Racing & Breeding
Buyer: Sj Racing
Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale $70,000
Seller: Maluka Thoroughbreds, Avenel
Buyer: MG Price Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd
4
3.4
Neighbourhood
- 5m Street Boss (USA) x Help (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: E Jusufovic Rdr: M J Dee 56.5
5
4.4
Arcadia Prince
- 6g Pierro (AUS) x Arcadia (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: Amy McDonald Rdr: Jordan Childs 58.5
6
5.2
Widgee Turf
- 7g Turffontein (AUS) x Greyhound (AUS) (Kala Dancer (GB))
Tnr: Patrick Payne Rdr: W Egan 58.5
More Reading...
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Streets Of Avalon You Magnificent Old Warrior
While WS Cox Plate hero Sir Dragonet (IRE) was never a factor in Saturday's $500,000 Group 1 Neds CF Orr Stakes (1400m), the Shane Nichols-trained Streets Of Avalon was ready to add another chapter to his storied career.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.