Racing: Jimmy Choux should manage step up

Jonathan Riddell rides Jimmy Choux to win NZ 2000 Guineas. Photo /Getty Images.

The $1.80 around Jimmy Choux might look very short but it's probably pretty good value in today's $70,000 Waikato Guineas at Te Rapa.

It's difficult to come up with a negative around the 3-year-old that has truly dominated against his own age group.

He's won the Hawkes Bay Guineas, 2000 Guineas, Great Northern Guineas and Wellington Guineas.

His only misses were when he was beaten a nose on a heavy track in the Wanganui Guineas in his first start this season and when he fibrillated behind We Can Say It Now in the Levin Classic.

That's a record that entitles you to a quote around $1.80.

Each run he's had he's done it more effortlessly and there is no reason at all to suspect he won't manage his first step to 2000m this afternoon.

And he should get the perfect run, probably one out from the rail, from his draw.

For the multiples, Hidden Asset, Historian and Yin Yang Master appeal and Keenly is probably for putting value in the first four.

Cool Storm (No7, R3) deserves to win today. She strikes a handful of promising types in the 3-year-old race, but she has the form on the board. Among her best efforts are her fourth (1.7 lengths away) behind Twilight Savings and Vonusti at weight-for-age at Rotorua and her second to Obsession at group level in the Breeders Stakes at Pukekohe. Both of those efforts would win this race. She will probably lead or trail and although the small field provides the swoopers with a chance, she doesn't lack fight. Goldminer (No6) and Mr Spock (No2) are threats.

Seton Street (No4, R1) made a decent impression when a close-up fifth on debut at Te Aroha. He didn't get a lot of favours that day and this time has drawn a beaut gate. Lots of chances in this race, but don't leave Gallivant (No7) out of multiples.

Forget Gorse (No4, R2) went around on that wet track at Trentham last start. He will much prefer the footing he strikes this time. That win by Tsardurka (No7) at Pukekohe was no fluke after several luckless efforts and Mae Jinx (No3) ruined her chance last start when she was unusually slow away. It took Dashing Donna to beat her the start before.

Arcenciel (No1, R5) was beaten by a talented filly in Nancho Bella last start and she didn't have too much luck in running. She attacks the line strongly and should go close this time. Fromelles (No7) looked to be in the wrong part of the track last start and Z'Honor (No15) is value.

Maiden distance races are often a trap, but Superlative (No9, R6) each-way might be the way to go in today's version. Roddick (No6) is a hope.

Miss Sharapova (No7, R8) is going to be all the rage in the main stayers' race and she's going to be very tough to hold out. But at the odds, Solid Billing (No2) might be just as good in the value stakes. His three runs this preparation have been at distances short of his best and he will greatly appreciate the step up to 2000m. A big advantage will be the 3kg stable apprentice Jenny Whiteside takes off his back, taking him down to a very comfortable 54.5kg.

Queensland's Eddie Wilkinson, who won the Queensland Cup on Solid Billing, has been engaged for the bigger races coming up, but Jenny Whiteside knows the horse well and will do the job today.

The last could well be a trap race. The Party Stand (No1, R9) has the form on the board, but also 59kg, a big weight for a mare, even on a high minimum like this.

Leica Scotch (No17) has more ability than anything here, but his form is looking a bit odd and there are several emerging types. Not a race to risk the entire bank on.