Racing: Welcome boost to open ranks

One down, one to go for punters wanting to cash in on Allegro Agitato at Addington today.

The glamour mare returns to group one racing in the $50,000 New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All, providing a much-needed boost to the open class trotting ranks at a time when they have rarely been weaker.

While a bunch of battlers have shared the open class spoils so far this season that should change now that Allegro Agitato and Pompallier are back on the track.

The former was one of the best trotters in Australasia last season but a lack of manners cost her a big-time victory.

With that experience under her belt and the fact she has returned stronger this term she could dominate, especially in the mobiles.

After an effortless comeback victory in the Flying Mile at Ashburton two weeks ago she would only have to race up to that form today to win again.

The two biggest stumbling blocks to that would appear to be the return to Addington of northern trotter Pompallier and the chance Allegro Agitato could be crossed at the start.

But trainer Richard Brosnan warns one of those threats won't be quite as potent as usual.

Brosnan trains Pompallier and says the lanky trotter can't be at his best today.

"He has had a few little setbacks this campaign and he is still on the way up," said Brosnan.

"He only arrived down there on Monday and our major aim is the Dominion Handicap next week.

"I am not saying he can't win but it will be hard to beat Allegro Agitato when we are not at our peak, especially if she leads."

While there is doubt in the Pompallier camp he still ranks as the second most talented trotter in the country, having the speed possessed by only the best stock of sire Sundon.

His fresh-up effort at Alexandra Park last Friday was enormous, almost winning after galloping early.

"That gallop was a bit his fault and a bit mine," admitted Brosnan.

"But he trotted great afterwards and stuck on all the way up the straight even when he was tired."

If Pompallier is not the big threat to Allegro Agitato then the possibility of her getting crossed at the start would be.

She is a fast beginner from behind the mobile arm but there is also speed from frontliners like Play On, Major Decision, Last Link and Ados Invasion.

If any of them can cross her at the start then the complexion of the race changes. If she holds the front she should simply be too good.

Play On looks the best each way value as his draws gives him the chance to settle handy and as the reining Interdominion champion he comes in well under the mobile conditions. If the pace is one he will be running on better than most and could even provide another upset.