Hoofit has firmed in favour for the Wellington Guineas at Trentham tomorrow with the scratching of Jimmy Choux.
Jimmy Choux, last-start winner of the Hawke's Bay Guineas, was found with a swollen knee in his box yesterday morning. He underwent veterinary treatment to reduce the swelling.
"He must have banged his knee in the box. The knee is almost back to normal after the treatment," John Bary, his Hastings trainer, said.
"He [Jimmy Choux] will now go straight into the Two Thousand Guineas."
Jimmy Choux is a $9 second favourite for the $1 million Two Thousand Guineas at Riccarton on November 6.
He's Remarkable and Cellarmaster share favouritism at $7.
Bary is due to return from Melbourne today after supervising The Hombre, who finished 10th in the Geelong Cup on Wednesday.
"He [The Hombre] pulled up well and ate up. It is another step in his education. There is a open 2000m race for him on the last day of the Melbourne carnival."
Hoofit won the Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on a heavy track at his last start. The track is heavy at Trentham.
Sweet Suitor, runner up in the Bonecrusher, is again a rival for Hoofit. Hayden Tinsley is the replacement rider for Opie Bosson, who is in Melbourne. Tinsley won the Wellington Guineas last year on Keyora.
Tinsley, who won the Cuddle Stakes 12 months ago on Ististar, has the mount on Barinka tomorrow. David Walsh has been engaged for Royal Flight, who handled a heavy track to finish third in the Winter Cup at Riccarton.
