Jockey Hugh Bowman will likely be back in the saddle of his favourite horse Winx for her Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2018 tune-up on Day 1 of ‘The Championships’ at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Winx has an exhibition gallop after the first on Saturday at Royal Randwick before her autumn grand final in the 2018 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart.
Bowman was forced to withdraw from riding on the weekend due to illness but will still be there for a track gallop on Chris Waller’s superstar mare Winx, medical clearance pending.
“I spoke with Hughie and he is feeling a lot better,” Bowman’s manager, Bryan Haskins, told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.
“He has been taking it easy the last few days but is due to see his doctor [Friday] where he expects to get a clearance to ride again.
“At this stage he wants to take a few rides at the barrier trials on Monday and then be back at the races for the Warwick Farm meeting next Wednesday.”
After confirmation this week Winx would remain in Australia and bypass a trip to England for the Royal Ascot carnival, the six-year-old daughter of Street Cry has her autumn grand final Saturday week.
She races for an incredible 18th elite level win defending her crown in the Group 1 $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 14 before being turned out to rest ahead of the spring.
Australia’s highest-ever earner with $16.56 million in the bank and counting, Winx was last seen winning the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on March 24.
There she defeated Happy Clapper (2nd) and Kementari (3rd) who are the two best in betting to frank the Winx form this weekend in the Group 1 $3 million Doncaster Mile (1600m).
Winx will also be on show on Doncaster Day, her and Bowman stealing the show in an exhibition gallop over 1000m between races.
“We haven’t heard from Hugh Bowman yet but I understand he will be seeing his doctor [on Friday],” Racing NSW chief steward Van Gestel said yesterday.
“If he provides a medical certificate then we consider granting him permission to ride Winx in the exhibition gallop.”
The Winx gallop is set to take place after the first, the Group 3 $200,000 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m), which is due to jump at 11:30am (AEST).
All-in Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2018 odds at Ladbrokes.com.au list Winx as the $1.15 favourite.
She also dominates futures Ladbrokes Cox Plate betting at $1.70 to return and chase an historical fourth straight win in The Valley classic on October 27 this spring in Melbourne.
To back Winx to win her autumn Grand Final head to Ladbrokes.com.au now.
