Bargain basement buy Avienus may be heading into her final start when she tackles Saturday’s Group 1 $500,000 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Connections are undecided but know the end is nigh.
The Group 2 winner would enhance her broodmare value with win at the highest level but even with failure there are no complaints.
Avienus was a $20,000 purchase and has amassed $543,288 from five wins, her best in the Group 2 2011 Stock Stakes (1600m) at .Moonee Valley.
She was ridden by Craig Williams on that occasion but his ride on the mare at her last start in the Railway Stakes could have been better according to trainer Mark Webb.
With Williams in Japan on a six weeks contract, Brad Rawiller takes over the reins.
“It’s still going to be a tough assignment,” Webb said.
“Hopefully with Brad on board, we’ll get the right sort of ride we’re after.
“If she can sit somewhere around midfield it would be ideal.
“She’s come through the run well and I’m really happy with her.”
Webb said that the final decision when Avienus finishes her racing career will rest with her owners.
“We haven’t finalised yet whether Saturday is her last race,” Webb said.
“She may have a small campaign in the autumn.
“We’ll make that decision when the dust settles and depending on how she comes through on Saturday.”
The Cranbourne trainer has conceded a few offers for the black-type mare have been put on the table.
Avienus is by Reset out of Genova.
“It’s been a big thrill for them all (the owners) and she’s got a great pedigree for a broodmare.”
Avienus, at $21 with TABsportsbet is on the seventh line of betting.
Favourite remains controversial Railway Stakes winner Luckygray at $2.90 from Ranger $3.80 and W A Guineas winner King Saul.
That betting could change with the barrier draw for the field of 14 being conducted later today.
Two surprise acceptors for the Classic have been 2010 Winterbottom Stakes winner Hadabeclorka and Wolfe Dreams.
Both are jumping significantly up in distance.
TABsportsbet have both at three figure odds.
