It is All About Al at Durbanville
Jack Milner
All About Al will be turning nine years old on 1 August but he has lost none of his zip. In fact, he could be the runner they will all have to beat in Race 8 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, a Middle Stakes over 1000m.
Despite his age, this Adam Marcus-trained son of Captain Al continues his good vein of form and will be having the 56th run of his career on this occasion.
His record going into this race is seven wins, nine seconds, 12 thirds and seven fourths, and another victory could be on the cards. His last two runs have yielded a victory and a short head second, both over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
What is more important is that he has a decent record at Durbanville, which is vital.
Last time out he was touched off a short head by Trois Sept Huit and they are set to meet again in this event. Owing to the fact that All About Al was ridden by a 2.5kg-claiming apprentice and the conditions of this race being different from last time, the older gelding is actually 3.5kg worse off. On paper that should give Lucinda Woodruff’s runner the edge except for three factors.
Firstly, All About Al has proven form over the course and distance where he has racked up two victories while his opponent will be having his first race at the course. We have seen many talented runners fail at this tight-turning course.
Secondly, the Marcus-trained runner is better drawn in gate No 2 although Woodruff’s charge is not far off in gate No 5.
Perhaps most importantly All About Al will once again be reunited with Craig Zackey with whom he has an excellent rapport. That will more than likely make up for the lost apprentice allowance – and more.
Sean Veale will be aboard Trois Sept Huit although in three previous rides he has yet to win on him.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 3 Juliet Of Verona, 2 Senorita Lolita, 1 Red Flag, 13 Mary Cassatt
Race 2: 1 Winterworldoflove, 10 Peach Cobbler, 5 Spurious, 6 Love Her Madly
Race 3: 5 Masteronthemoon, 6 Ready For The Road, 8 Big Deal, 2 Fate Of Pace
Race 4: 8 Eisteddfod, 6 Mighty Mary, 5 Kituba, 13 Amayah
Race 5: 2 Mon Papillon, 11 Given To Fly, 6 Princess Of Bayeux, 9 Meg’s Legacy
Race 6: 2 Cork Bay, 1 Sooty, 7 Lyrical Gangster, 3 Behave Harris
Race 7: 1 Gravity, 6 Heritage Ridge, 11 Hiawatha Goldberg, 3 Galactus
Race 8: 2 All About Al, 5 Trois Sept Huit, 10 Flying Finley, 7 Sardinia Bay
BEST BET
Race 5: 2 Mon Papillon
VALUE BET
Race 4: 8 Eisteddfod
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 1×10
BIPOT
R48
Leg 1: 3
Leg 2: 1, 10
Leg 3: 5, 6
Leg 4: 5, 6, 8, 13
Leg 5: 2
Leg 6: 1, 2, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 1, 10
Leg 2: 5, 6
Leg 3: 5, 6, 8
Leg 4: 2
Leg 5: 1, 2
Leg 6: 1, 6, 11
Leg 7: 2, 5, 10
PICK 6
R1800
Leg 1: 5, 6, 8
Leg 2: 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14
Leg 3: 2
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 7
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 6, 11
Leg 6: 2, 5, 6, 7, 10
JACKPOT 1
R120
Leg 1: 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14
Leg 2: 2
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 6, 11
JACKPOT 2
R100
Leg 1: 2
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 6, 11
Leg 4: 2, 5, 6, 7, 10