Bowman seeking Melbourne spring carnival redemption
THE spring carnival has already be labelled as a success for champion jockey Hugh Bowman after he won aboard Winx in the Cox Plate, but Bowman wasn’t happy with how he rode during the four-day carnival at Flemington last year and is seeking redemption.
Bowman again rode Winx to victory in the 2016 Cox Plate and he’s been on a high since, but he also knows that the carnival is far from over and he must refocus and not make the same mistake again.
“I don’t know that I did it all that well last year. I didn’t have a very good Flemington carnival,” Bowman said.
“Usually I tend to peak at Flemington, when I get to Melbourne, I really enjoy riding there. That’s something that didn’t go unnoticed, the fact I didn’t get the job done. I’m mindful of that.
“I’m a bit more mature, having been through it. At the end of the day this is our time of year and it’s very important, not only for me, but all the people I ride for.
“It’s important to be on the job.”
Bowman didn’t get long to celebrate his Cox Plate win. He flew home the following day, spent an afternoon with his family and was back on a plane to Melbourne on Monday.
“It was pretty grounding,” Bowman said.
“They (kids) are pretty young, they are not aware of the situation really. It was good.
“But it’s still tiring, I was back here Monday night for Tuesday trackwork.
“But I didn’t ride Wednesday so I’ve just been poking along, a bit of training, not putting myself under too much pressure.”
Hugh Bowman’s Derby Day book of rides and tips
Race 1: High Mist – $34
Race 2: Missrock – $8
Race 3: Rule The River – $9
Race 4: Junoob – $18
Race 5: Flying Artie – $11
Race 6: French Emotion – $31
Race 7: So Si Bon – $9
Race 8: Le Romain – $12
Race 9: Counterattack – $5.50
Hugh Bowman doesn’t ride a favourite on the Derby Day card, but he has a strong book of rides overall. His most prized ride is on the Robbie Laing-trained So Si Bon in the Group 1 Victoria Derby.
Bowman teamed up with Laing to win the 2013 Victoria Derby with Polanski and So Si Bon is a strong each way chance at $9 with CrownBet.com.au.
Missrock is another Robbie Laing-trained runner which hasn’t had the best of luck the spring, but it should find this race easier than recent targets. The three-year-old filly opened at $6.50 for the Wakeful Stakes, but has since drifted out to $8.
That’s a great price for a talent runner and it should give Bowman a positive start to the day.
Flying Artie was an impressive winner of the Blue Sapphire and the $11 on offer at Sportsbet is a great price, but Bowman will be hoping for an easier ride than what Damien Oliver endured.
Oliver incurred a suspension out of that run as Flying Artie raced very green, but Bowman will ride from the inside draw which should ensure the colt stays focussed.
Bowman ends the day riding two Sydney-based runners which both have each way hopes. Le Romain finished fifth in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap which was a terrific run and Counterattack will be looking to bounce back after some below-par outings.