Racing: The Hombre needs to smarten his ideas

John Bary. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Hastings horseman John Bary measures The Hombre in today's A$500,000 Doomben Cup against his Derby champ Jimmy Choux.

Not in ability levels, in terms of brain power.

And The Hombre comes up short.

"If Jimmy were here he'd cope with this race because he's so professional. The Hombre isn't smart enough yet. He's still learning."

But Bary has never been shy in taking his chances. "Realistically if he gets a good run he's probably looking at third or fourth.

"But this is horse racing. If he gets a miracle run and a couple of the others don't, then who knows."

Bary was back in New Zealand until Thursday night and left the handling of The Hombre to regular rider Jonathan Riddell.

"Jonathan is delighted with the horse's Saturday and Tuesday gallops. The horse looks in perfect condition so we're hoping for the best.

"Quite often your first run in Australia is your best run, so perhaps it can happen for him."

Wherever The Hombre finishes today Bary knows there are easier targets for him. "There are races like the Ipswich and Caloundra Cups which are around the A$200,000 mark."

The biggest problem for The Hombre today is the Chris Waller-trained British import My Kingdom Of Fife, winner of each of his three Australian starts.

He has yet to be properly tested and might simply be too good.

Matamata trainer John Sargent is delighted he nominated St Germaine for two races at Doomben today.

Sargent couldn't believe St Germaine was declared the third ballot for her original target, the A$150,000 Glenlogan Park Stakes.

"Barinka went round in this race last year and there were only a handful of horses in it.

"St Germaine has won $150,000 and she's put on the ballot."

St Germaine is also in the Lord Mayor's Cup over 1615m compared with the 1350m of the Glenlogan.

"She's had two runs back this preparation so she'll manage the trip.

"From the No 1 gate she can go to sleep on the rail."

Sargent said he was not greatly concerned about the possibility of a few predicted showers, seeing the track officially rated dead.

James McDonald, who was engaged for the Glenlogan, had a prior engagement for Atom Cat in the Lord Mayor's Cup and St Germaine will be ridden by Riddell.

Waikato filly Scarlett Lady is second favourite behind the Peter Snowden-trained Divorces in the A$175,000 Doomben Roses.