THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR AVALON

Streets Of Avalon hoping its third time lucky

Streets Of Avalon will be looking to go one better in the 2022 edition of Bletchingly Stakes having finished second when first up in the past two runnings of the black type winter feature.

Despite winning two group one contests in his career including last years CF Orr Stakes and going punch for punch with the likes of Zaaki, Ayrton and I’m Thunderstruck last campaign the bookies have Streets of Avalon on the fourth line of betting at $6.50 to win on Saturday.

“He’s going to need it but it’s a nice kick-off point and I think he’s going reasonably well,” Nichols said.

“Admittedly, he’s rising eight but his form reads second to Ayrton (at 1400m) and third to Zaaki and I’m Thunderstruck in the $5m All-Star Mile.

“He rates 108 and next closest in the race is 102 (Scallopini, $9.50), there’s a distinct advantage there for him, but he will need the outing.”

Nichols has turned to bush based jockey Jack Hill to ride Streets Of Avalon on there pursuit of the Bletchingly.

“One of the owners knows Jack quite well and has had a bit of success with him … (regular jockey) Zac Spain is in America, he (Streets Of Avalon) needed a seatwarmer for a run,” Nichols said.

“He’ll ride him fine, he’s not a hard horse to ride.”

Streets of Avalon has drawn barrier three for the Caulfield contest with Nichols expecting the 7 year old to roll along in front keeping the field honest. 

Nichols also confirmed that should Streets of Avalon run well it will begin his run towards Group One contests including the Memsies or PB Lawrence Stakes. 

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