Still plenty of vigour in veteran Allez Au Bon
AGEING Allez Au Bon ran an excellent race at his last start for champion jockey Tony Cruz and that gives plenty of encouragement for those who wish to side with the pair in the fourth event tonight.
Allez Au Bon's record shows that he goes best with a bit of give in the ground but down in Class Five and over 2,000 metres, the grey is likely to be a real threat in any type of going. Allez Au Bon ran a most creditable fourth in a combined handicap at his last outing - it was won by Polygain who put two wins together - and it is almost certain that the gelding was not 100 per cent wound up for the race.
There can be no doubting his fitness going into tonight's 14-runner event and Allez Au Bon's overall performance suggests that he is still well placed to take a race in this company. The combined conditions of his last race meant the Class Five stayer lumped a lot of weight but given the presence of two Class Four gallopers in this event - neither of whom has been rated by me anywhere near Allez Au Bon - it means a very good galloping weight for the selection.
South China Star, one of the Class Four gallopers involved, has not done enough to earn a rating at all while erratic Sir Michael will be helped by the lower class and a 10-pound drop with the claimer's allowance. However, taking all that into consideration I have Allez Au Bon on a personal rating of 67 with Sir Michael managing a 31 on his exposed form and other factors. That means that, essentially, Allez Au Bon is taking on a Class Five field at a very attractive weight and he can prevail over an ideal trip and with Cruz in the saddle.
The engagement of international star Michael Kinane for Paradise could be significant as I have him very close to Allez Au Bon, in fact rated just one point behind him. But Kinane is the only significant factor as Allez Au Bon, in the run behind Polygain, had Paradise in his wake by a half length and there is a pound between them tonight as there was on that previous occasion, Paradise having run since on the dirt for a third placing.
Paradise has also drawn awkwardly in barrier 13 but the stayer is strongly suggested for the quinella and the biggest likely danger to Allez Au Bon. There can be no denying the each-way claims of A Fortune who did a sterling job to win first-up over 1,800 metres but he is still some way behind the front two on my ratings.
I can make no better case for A Fortune than a rating of 58 which does give him something to do here. Kinane may have to wait to the featured Fakei Cup for his winner but I am greatly taken by Kick The Habit whom I make the best of the night. Kick The Habit is well clear for me in this Class Three mile event although it must be said that some of the younger horses are clear improvers. But taking that into account where possible, Kick The Habit, intererstingly blinkered for the first time, is definitely on top. He got no sort of a run last time but his first run of the season was an excellent effort and it is that one, more than anything, that one should take solidly into account when assessing chances here.
Kick The Habit's overall record is certainly good enough to have him win here and it is worth bearing in mind that he is still a four-year-old - admittedly rising five - and it is not without justification that his admirers might suggest there is still improvement in him. Veteran E Treasure also comes into contention.
