Art Major’s son drawn perfectly in Inter heat

Harness racing’s free-legged star Avonnova appears certain to qualify for the TAB.com.au Inter Dominion Final.

A brilliant beginner, Avonnova has drawn the pole in Saturday night’s heat at Albion Park, which should see the Ian Gurney-trained pacer lead throughout.

The $750,000 decider is scheduled to be run at Tabcorp Park Menangle on March 1, with heats being conducted throughout Australia this weekend.

Only the winner of the Queensland qualifier will be guaranteed a berth in the time-honoured Final.

Successful at seven of his nine starts this season, Avonnova’s only home state defeat this season was a gutsy second behind New South Wales visitor For A Reason in the Queensland Pacing Championship last October.

Kept fresh since his victory at Menangle a fortnight ago, the son of Art Major has been installed a prohibitive $1.30 favourite as he looks to stretch his winning sequence to five.

An eye-catching winner at Albion Park last Saturday night, classy mare Forever Gold shapes as Avonnova’s main danger after drawing alongside the gelding.

Racing in consistent form this campaign, the daughter of Famous Forever is likely to be sent forward early in hope of opening a gap and being slotted onto the pegs behind the leader.

• PAUL COURTS