Racing: Heavy track the major worry in Guineas

Hoofit should handle the wet conditions tomorrow. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The 3-year-olds in tomorrow's $85,000 NZ Bloodstock Wellington Guineas might still have the prospect of a heavy track to overcome, but at least they don't have to worry about Jimmy Choux.

The Hawkes Bay Guineas winner was withdrawn yesterday afternoon after knocking a knee in his box overnight.

"It's nothing, it's only bruising, and if the track was reasonably good I'd probably still have run him, but I wasn't going to risk him on a heavy track," said trainer John Bary.

"There are bigger things just around the corner [the $1 million 2000 Guineas]."

The Wellington weather is predicted to improve from today, but the footing, which was a heavy 11 yesterday, will almost certainly remain testing.

This will count against high-class Awapuni galloper Cellarmaster, who has had no luck in two starts this preparation.

Hoofit proved a slow track is no barrier to success for him when he won the Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie last start, displaying remarkable tenacity in a gut-busting finish.

"He's strong, which allows him to get through wet ground," said trainer Stephen McKee.

Sweet Suitor, who fought out that finish with Hoofit in the Bonecrusher, was hampered by the conditions at Ellerslie and may strike the same problem this time.

He is exceptionally talented though, and if he gets any sort of grip on the footing he'll be competitive again.

By contrast, the major players in the $70,000 Shinko King Cuddle Stakes are all pretty adept in wet weather.

Barinka, Sharp Princess, She Rules and Lady Chaparral have well credentialled wet-weather form and, along with a couple of others, set up a fascinating contest.

Sharp Princess (second) and Lady Chaparral (fourth) were right in the fight in the four-horse close finish to the Windsor Park Breeders Stakes last start and should be even fitter for that run.

Barinka was less than two lengths away in what was her first start for the season in the same race and should be significantly improved.

She Rules is very talented and adds a different formline dimension.

A greatly improving weather forecast should see a perfect track for Ellerslie tomorrow.

"It's a dead 5 today and with the way the weather is looking it should come back to a dead 4, which should be perfect for everyone," said Auckland Racing Club racing manager Andrew Castles yesterday.

That should suit Altered Image, who came back to the form he is capable of in a sizzling 1200m victory at Hastings last start.

He has drawn nicely again and should get the run of the race.