Jimmy Choux centre stage at Sha Tin

Reigning NZ Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux is set to take centre stage in the G1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin this Sunday.

Jimmy Choux (4h Thorn Park – Cierzo by Centaine) is coming off a Melbourne spring campaign that saw him finish a length in arrears of Pinker Pinker in the G1 Cox Plate and Albert The Far in the G1 Emirates Stakes.

Trainer John Bary is confident his stable star will run well despite the culture shock of stable life in quarantine.  “I love my horses to get out into a big paddock so I can see how they are moving,” Bary said.  “He’s in a barn on his own here so the hardest part has been trying to keep the horse happy and entertained.  

“He’s a colt and an intelligent one at that.  He’s alright but I wouldn’t want to keep him here over a long period.”

Despite the cramped quarters, Jimmy Choux was very impressive in a solo gallop on Thursday morning.  “He just grabbed the bit beautifully and stretched the legs,” Bary added.  “What I want to do is front up and show the rest of the world what we can do down in New Zealand.”

Bary claimed gate two at the barrier draw presentation.  “He can sit in behind the pace or he can do it from the front.  Jonathan (Riddell) knows him so well.”

NZ-breds have had great success in the Hong Kong Mile with Winning Partners (1993), Catalan Opening (1997), mighty mare Sunline (2000), Lucky Owners (2003) and Beauty Flash (2010).

Beauty Flash (Golan) is a contender again this year and trainer Tony Cruz believes he has the six-year-old gelding spot on.  Able One (Cape Cross), who put in a good performance for fourth in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy, completes the NZ-bred trio.