The Hombre came to the Brisbane Winter Carnival carrying plenty of expectations but it hasn’t been a pleasant experience to date.

He had his first run in the Doomben Cup but he was outclassed easily by the winner Scenic Shot and he managed to beat just two horses home.

Connections were confident that a drop in class and weight as well as an increase in distance would put him right back into the game.

Unfortunately as a one of the favourites he struggled again, finishing 15th in a field of 16 in the Prime Ministers Cup at Eagle Farm.

It’s a horrible lead up to this weekend’s Ipswich Cup where connections are desperate to grab a Queensland win.

Trainer John Bary is remaining confident though and he says his last start wasn’t as bad as it appears on paper.

“He was travelling beautifully (in the Prime Minister’s Cup) and tried to angle out before the leaders came back on him. He tried to move one out of the way but we ended up being shoved back to the rail. Jim Byrne nearly lost his irons and we got spat out the back of the field,” Bary said.

“He wasn’t in a winning position so he’s just protected the horse. But that’s just racing.”

The Hombre has had previous success when running in Brisbane and his form hadn’t been too bad back home in New Zealand either.

Unfortunately though his recent Australian form has left plenty to be desired, in fact his last half a dozen runs haven’t returned as much as a placing.

The 2010 Rough Habit Plate was his last win, so the quality is there if he can find it on the day.

Bary is hoping that day is this Saturday and he think his lead up has been a bit better this time around.

“He was a bit sore for the week after his last run but we’re happy with his fitness and he’s in nicely at the weights. And it’s what I believe is the level of race where we’re in with a chance.” Bary said.

In other news for Bary his most successful export this year Jimmy Choux has returned form the spelling paddock.

He’ll be sent back across the ditch for the spring carnival in Melbourne after enjoying a good trip in the autumn.

Jimmy Choux won the Rosehill Guineas on his Australian debut as well as the New Zealand Guineas back home.

He won’t be used as a cups horse in Australia this year with Bary not wanting to push him too far too soon.

“We’ve got three Group One races in the spring on our back door step then over to Melbourne for the Cox Plate,” Bary said.

“We don’t believe he’ll cop two miles. He’s a genuine sprinter/mile type and the Cox Plate will suit him with his turn of foot. He’s got too much brilliance to be a two miler.”