Racing: Derby hopefuls put to test

Hidden Asset puts his Derby credentials on the line tomorrow. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The $70,000 HS Dyke Waikato Guineas is set up to answer some questions.

Questions like how well will Jimmy Choux, Historian, Yin Yang Master and On The Level cope with their first race beyond 1600m?

The 2000m of tomorrow's group three feature will prove a good guide to the $2.2 million Telecom Derby at Ellerslie in four weeks'.

The only one of the Derby favourites missing tomorrow is He's Remarkable, trainer Roger James choosing to bypass this race after the joint Derby favourite's third at Trentham last weekend.

Jimmy Choux has dominated the 3-year-old races up to 1600m, his Great Northern Guineas and Wellington Guineas victories at his past two starts have been marvellous examples of his great class.

Trainer John Bary is confident Jimmy Choux will handle the step up to 2000m, rider Jonathan Riddell even more so.

Jimmy Choux's great asset is his ability to do everything perfectly and to relax.

It's that relaxation that assures Riddell of the 3-year-old's ability to stay a middle-distance trip.

"I worked him the other day and he relaxed beautifully," said Riddell yesterday.

Jimmy Choux has drawn comfortably in the middle of the 11-horse field and with his tactical speed he should be able to place perfectly in running.

There does not appear to be a great deal of speed in the race and it may end up a muddling affair, which may inconvenience a couple of the back runners, but almost certainly not Jimmy Choux.

From his No 9 gate, Yin Yang Master may work a bit early and cross the field, which may, in turn, see him lead.

He has led or trailed in his past two races for placings behind Jimmy Choux and Banchee, so he has the right formlines to make a splash here.

Particularly noticeable in recent starts has been his grittiness in tight finishes and that should make him competitive at 2000m.

The barrier draw certainly favours Jimmy Choux.

Hidden Asset's No 8 and Historian's No 10 make it difficult at the 2000m starting point. There is a short run to the bend out of the home straight and neither horse can afford to be caught three wide at that point.

Hidden Asset will almost certainly drop back and what the connections of Historian chose to do will be interesting. With questionable speed in the race he may have to press forward in the first 200m.

Like the favourite, Historian helps himself with his ability to relax. He is so laidback rider Chad Ormsby should be on a double riding fee for the work he has to do on the horse from the 600m in his races. Historian fights hard and is entitled to great respect.

On The Level has been freshened since missing a place in the Great Northern Guineas. His form had been terrific before that in almost each start suggesting that he was going to come into his own when stepped up to distances beyond 1600m. He gets that for the first time tomorrow.

Ransomed finished strongly behind Mr Legs at Awapuni last start and Keenly is under-rated and deserves at least a place chance.

MIKE DILLON'S VIEW

Not too short

Bookies say they will open Jimmy Choux up at about even money ($2) when they post a Waikato Guineas market this morning. Seems fair.

Forgive last start

Gorse in Race 2 at Te Rapa. Wasn't happy on that wet surface at Trentham. Might have a terrible name, but he's talented.

Safest each-way

Possibly Cool Storm in Race 3. Has been racing in much better company. More than a bit under-rated.

Impressed on debut

Seton Street, Race 1 Te Rapa. Drew wide, held up then beaten less than half a length in fourth. Nicely drawn this time.

Best claim

Solid Billing's 3kg in the Casino Cup. Takes him down to just half a kilo above the minimum and he's ready now to strike.

Mystery

Leica Scotch in Race 9. As good as anything racing on the day, but did nothing last time.