Hugh Bowman will be aboard Black Piranha who is shooting for a third straight Stradbroke Handicap
Bowman has a quality book of rides set down for Saturday which is highlighted by Group One Favourites Hot Snitzel and Black Piranha.
Bowman believes that Hot Snitzel gives him his best chance to leave Australia on a high after the two combined to deliver trainer Gerald Ryan a dominant BRC Sires Produce win.
“He went super and there’s no reason why he can’t do that again. I think the field on Saturday has actually dropped away from what he beat last weekend.” Bowman said.
“I’m not worried about drawing 10, he can stay out of trouble and it is a mile at Eagle Farm. I want an uninterrupted run and I should be able to get that from out there.”
While Hot Snitzel is probably the best of Bowman’s rides on paper, a win on Black Piranha would certainly be hard to top.
Bowman believes that Black Piranha would have won the Doomben 10,000 with ‘just an ounce of luck’, and expects the Con Karakatsanis trained gelding will be a major contender in the Stradbroke.
“Con said to me that the horse was going to improve from the 10,000 run so he’ll take some holding out on Saturday,” said Bowman
“He’s got a nice draw (barrier three). I think the inside barrier worked against us in the 10,000 but under handicap conditions I think it is a plus.”
Bowman will be aboard Alma’s Fury in the Group One Queensland Derby, and believes the horse is a chance if it can overcome its awkward draw.
“He’s an adaptable horse. In his last two runs he’s shown he can go back and can race on the pace so if he can get some luck from the tricky draw he has a genuine chance.” Bowman said.
Bowman will also ride Jekyll and Hyde five year old Firebolt in the 1600m Strawberry Road Handicap.
At his best Firebolt can look like a very classy galloper, as was evident by his win in the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Doomben last month. However even a cursory glance at Firebolt’s form suggests that the horse struggles to produce his best on a consistent basis.
Bowman will also be aboard Torio’s Quest in the Group Two Queensland Guineas.
Bowman believes the Brett Partelle three year old has a ‘genuine chance’ if he can re-discover his best form.
This will be the first start in Brisbane for the horse the won both the Gold Coast and Wyong Magic Millions three year old events.
Bowman will also ride $101.00 chance Santa Maura in the first race of the day at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The rest of Bowman’s rides are right in the market.
Firebolt ($4.40), Hot Snitzel ($2.10) and Black Piranha ($6.00) are all favourites or equal favourites in their respective races, while Almas Fury ($15.00) and Torio’s Quest ($9.00) are also given chances.
Bowman’s first stop on his six week English tour will be next month’s Royal Ascot meeting.
“I could have gone a bit earlier but I wanted to make the Stradbroke my last day. I wanted to get the Brisbane carnival over with; I’ll only miss the one Group One.” Bowman said.
Bowman, who rode 33 winners on his last European trip in 2007, will be reunited with English trainer Mick Channon.
“Mick was keen for me to come back for a full season in 2008 but the reality was I had too much to lose. As much as I enjoyed it, I felt it would have been too much of a gamble to go to England and start over again.
“I’m really looking forward to riding in Britain again and also catching up with friends. I’m not going there expecting to set the world on alight.” Bowman said.
