There’s been plenty spoken about New Zealand import The Hombre ahead of this weekend’s Doomben Cup and trainer John Bary will arrive in Brisbane today to oversee the final preparations.

While he’s aware he’s running into a top field he’s making no excuses and says the horse is here in good shape and here to win.

“I think you’ll see the same horse you saw last year, I think you’ll see a pretty impressive horse when he lines up on Saturday,” Bary said.

He says that his prep has gone perfectly and after three solid runs in New Zealand it’s all systems go for this weekend.

“He’s very happy with the horse, that’s all we can do really , he’s fit and he’s very well,” he said.

Despite this he’s well aware of the quality he’ll be facing in the gates at Doomben on Saturday.

“I still think there’s some better horses there than him,” he said.

It’s a frank admission but the kiwi’s have a habit of understating their chances and there’s no doubt The Hombre enjoys running in Brisbane.

“This is his third trip and Queensland really agrees with him, he loves the heat and loves the right handed way of going,” he said.

“We’re quietly confident but under no illusions he’s going to have to ride the perfect race.”

The New Zealand horses are always worth a consideration in these races when you consider how much effort is involved in getting them here.

Plenty of trainers will tip their horses going into a race but all the kiwi’s have invested a financial show of faith proving they consider them genuine hopes.

“It costs money, we can’t afford to bring a horse over unless it’s going to be competitive,” he said

“It’s just too expensive and too far to go to come and run second.”

Bary joked that the Aussies have once again made things hard for him by giving him the outside gate however he’s not concerned given only ten horses have accepted.

“Barrier 10 of 10, it’s a smallish field it won’t matter, he’s got gate speed so it doesn’t worry me at all.” he said.