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While against some promising ones, race experience and fitness is in favour of Alu Alu in the James Hardie Maiden Handicap.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained colt is third favourite in Thursday morning markets for the James Hardie Maiden Handicap.
This is largely due to the debut of the highly promising filly Ida and the return of the Gerald Ryan-trained Mchawi.
Regardless, Alu Alu has obvious claims after two solid career outings in what have turned out to be solid form events.
The son of Not A Single Doubt has been thereabouts in each of his runs.
He was only narrowly denied victory on debut at Kembla Grange in a Class 1 behind the more experienced Anyaas while last start, he was brave in attempting to make all at Warwick Farm.
The winner in Bascule has since come out and won again at Randwick just yesterday.
Alu Alu drops back in grade from his latest outing at Warwick Farm.
The James Hardie Maiden Handicap while shaping as an above average provincial maiden is Alu Alu’s easiest career assignment to date.
The colt during his short career to date has shown his ability to set the tempo or take a sit.
From his wide barrier though expect jockey Tommy Berry to go forward and either lead or be positioned just outside of it.
By Lonhro out of Elusive Quality mare Bernicia, Ida currently holds favouritism as she lines up for her debut.
She has looked good in her trials and a debut victory would come as no surprise.
The filly lacks race experience over her rivals though and at her near even money quote, is worth taking on.
Magic Albert gelding Mchawi resumes for Gerald Ryan.
His maiden campaign was an encouraging one and a midfield fifth on debut behind subsequent Group 1 winner Almalad means he warrants plenty of respect in this contest.
Value hopes include No Equal and Pounamu but overall, the class runners shape as Alu Alu, Ida and Mchawi.
Of that trio it is Alu Alu who has the perfect combination of race fitness and experience on his side and at his current $4 quote, is worth supporting in the James Hardie Maiden Handicap (1200m).