Riddell seeking another Group I

Born-again flat rider Jonathan Riddell is seeking a second Group I win for the season at Ellerslie tomorrow.

The Awapuni rider will partner Hastings two-year-old Jimmy Choux in the $200,000 Diamond Stakes (1200m).

Riddell, 31, has long been established as a leading jumps rider but took up flat riding again in 2008.

He had success on the flat as an apprentice but did not have high expectations when he returned, seeing flat riding more as a means of supplementing his income, especially as he rarely takes mounts under 56kg.

However, his natural skills as a rider, together with a strong work ethic, have meant that Riddell has received more opportunities than he expected.

He is in the top 20 on the jockeys premiership and his 29 wins this term include the Group I Levin Classic on Eileen Dubh and the Group II Wakefield Stakes on Jimmy Choux.

He has also won the listed Timaru Cup on Eel Win and had a mount in last weekend's New Zealand Derby.

"It's ticking along nicely and I'm enjoying it," Riddell said. "You get a bit sick of wasting but that was never going to be easy."

Riddell has been Jimmy Choux's regular jockey and has had two wins and two seconds from five rides on the Thorn Park colt. The one blemish came when the pair finished sixth, after being blocked for a run, in the Waikato Stakes at New Plymouth last month.

"I blame myself for that," Riddell said. "I had him in the one-one, which was where they wanted him, but then I couldn't get out.

"The race was over by the time I got clear. You can't be certain but I think he would have won and it's nice to get another chance on him.

"He's a nice horse with a good attitude and knows what the game's about now. He was a bit green to start with."

Jimmy Choux, who has drawn well tomorrow, also gives his trainer, John Bary, a chance to claim an early Group I win.

Bary did not begin training till last season and recorded his first win in November 2008. He has had 16 wins from just 77 runners this term and talented three-year-old The Hombre has been another notable flagbearer.

Bary is happy with Jimmy Choux's condition but aware that many horses do not race up to their best at their first run around Ellerslie. "He seems alright when he works the reverse way but you never know how they will cope till the pressure goes on.

"But he's got a great temperament and his heart is his biggest asset. He hates to lose," Bary said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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