Racing: Bary had nothing to worry about

Jimmy Choux beats Mufhasa (rails), Hold It Harvey and Wall Street in the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on Saturday. Photo / APN

The world for a positive attitude.

It's worth it - it wins a lot of races.

One hour before Jimmy Choux walked proudly on to the Hastings turf for Saturday's $200,000 Windsor Park Plate, trainer John Bary said: "I'm like a kid with a new toy - I can't wait to get him out there.

"Some trainers get nervous, I don't, I live for these group race moments."

During the parade Jimmy Choux himself echoed the same positivity.

Ten minutes later he was still at it as he totally destroyed the group one opposition to elevate himself to equal Cox Plate favouritism.

Take little notice of the words that come from the humble rider Jonathan Riddell.

"He keeps stepping up and making us all look good," said Riddell of the horse he loves.

"I'm just a battling jockey."

Yeah, right.

If Riddell was 4kg lighter in his natural form he could be competing with James McDonald and Opie Bosson for champion jockey.

You only had to watch the way he positioned Jimmy Choux from his extremely awkward No 9 barrier at the shocking 1600m Hastings start that is a sand wedge away from the first bend.

Horses who have drawn No 9 there have often gone home with their connections wishing they had never left.

Not Riddell. As tough as ever and talented when it matters, he had Jimmy Choux in the one-out, one-back spot before you could clear your throat.

Jimmy Choux was so dominant he might have won from anywhere in the field, but you don't know that when the race is five seconds old.

This was a classy performance from horse, rider, trainer and even owner Richard Wood, who made an impressive and humble victory speech.

And so now to the Cox Plate, outside Sunline a race we don't win too often.

Australian bookmakers reacted to the Hastings win immediately. Jimmy Choux is now the clear-cut Cox Plate favourite at between $7 and $7.50.

The early favourite Whobegotyou is between $7 and $9, depending on which betting agency you look at.

Rekindled Interest shortened after winning at Moonee Valley, but was easing between $8 and $9 yesterday.

There is a gap back to gutsy Saturday Sydney winner Sincero at $12. Lion Tamer shortened into $11 from $17 with his brave Underwood Stakes victory, Smart Missile is at $17 and King's Rose, who may attack the Caulfield Cup instead, is on $21.

If New Zealand is going to win the Cox Plate this is the year.

It's a long time since Australia has been as short of super stars at distances beyond 1600m. You couldn't beat Black Caviar on a motorbike, but at 2000m and beyond we've probably got the edge on most of them across the Tasman.

Saturday was Jonathan Riddell's birthday. There might be an even bigger present about a month away.

* An early flight allowed Murray Baker to end his weekend perfectly with Mr Tipsy and yesterday's $45,000 Westbury Stud Karaka Classic 1600m.

The Cambridge horseman arrived at Pukekohe in time to see Mr Tipsy score a typically tough win.

This wasn't quite up to watching Lion Tamer take the A$350,000 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, but Baker wasn't complaining.

"We weren't happy with this horse last season, but he was still unlucky in a A$150,000 race at Moonee Valley one night when he got held up on the home bend. He's a lot better this time in."

Mr Tipsy has a nomination for the 3200m New Zealand Cup at Riccarton.

"Whether that comes up a bit soon for him we'll have to see."

Baker said Lion Tamer had pulled up well after his win on Saturday.

"So did Harris Tweed at Caulfield. He got caught wide throughout and it wasn't surprising he didn't figure.

"He always takes a run or two to show form.

"He did this last year before finishing fifth in the Melbourne Cup."