ALLIEDFORCE is driven out by Paul 'Country' Francis to win the season's final classic, the $2.75 million Jamaica St. Leger over 2000 metres at Caymanas Park last year. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

TODAY'S 11-RACE programme at Caymanas Park will be highlighted by the 3-y-o and up open allowance race for the Zaleucus Trophy over 1800 metres, to be contested by six starters.

Among them is last year's Governor's Cup (Lotto Classic) and St. Leger winner, ALLIEDFORCE, who has a glorious chance of notching his second win from as many starts this season.

From the stables of veteran trainer Noel Ennevor, the four-year-old chestnut colt is coming off a convincing win over PITTACUS in a circular nine race on January 20 and will report even fitter today.

Ran second to 'irsh'

Prior to winning last time out, ALLIEDFORCE finished a clear second to DISTINCTLY IRISH in the Harry Jackson Memorial Cup over 2400 metres last Boxing Day and before that was a creditable third to two-time 'Horse of the Year' MIRACLE MAN and DISTINCTLY IRISH in the November 11 Red Stripe Superstakes over 2000 metres.

The son of Market Rally, Royal Colours was beaten only five lengths into third place by MIRACLE MAN that day and on the strength of that performance, it would be safe to say that it is the third best horse in training over a distance of ground.

Having looked the part at exercise, ALLIEDFORCE should prove hard to beat with only 52kg and in-form apprentice Andr? Martin aboard.

I am expecting him to race in touch of the expected leaders MAJOR MAYER and CHADMAN, both fit horses who will ensure an honest pace into the straight, before coming through approaching the distance. ALLIEDFORCE should then hold PITTACUS at bay to the line.

The Anthony Nunes-trained PITTACUS (working well) is by no means the same horse whowon the 2003 Superstakes, but based on his good second to ALLIEDFORCE under top weight last time out, looks best equipped to chase him home on 3kg better terms in a race of this nature.

Other firm fancies on the card are SEA CRACKERS to at last deliver in the second race over a mile for maiden four-year-olds and up, ISLA to lead home MILLION-DOLLAR BABY in the fourth, NUMERO UNO in the fifth, STRONG HOPE in the seventh and down in class FREE LANCE ahead of ALLEGRO and MICHAEL POWER in the 11th and final race.