Racing: The Hombre will contest Grand Prix

Hastings trainer John Bary has decided to give his talented 3-year-old The Hombre another run before the group one Queensland Derby in Brisbane on June 12.

Bary said The Hombre, who is a $5 favourite in Australia for the Derby after his win on promotion in the Rough Habit Plate on May 15, would run in the group three Grand Prix Stakes over 2200m at Doomben on Saturday.

The Hombre was doing so well in the Queensland climate that he needed to run on Saturday, Bary said.

"At home, I'd say he would have been better off not running again," he told the Courier Mail.

"But he's eating a lot more in Brisbane and mentally he's changed a lot. The trip has brought him on tremendously.

"It just would be too big a risk now not to give him another start.

"The other positive from running him in the Grand Prix is it will improve his race sense. He's getting better each time with the way he handles himself but he still has a bit to learn."

Sir Time Keeper is also likely to run in the Grand Prix Stakes.

Te Aroha trainer Graeme Nicholson said the colt was such a big eater, he needed a lot of galloping work to keep him fit.

- NZPA