No Winx in Everest has hoop peaking
HUGH Bowman may privately wish he was riding a superstar like Winx or Black Caviar in the $13 million The Everest at Royal Randwick tomorrow but the champion jockey believes the race is better for their absence.
It’s an interesting take on the world’s richest turf race, which has attracted a hot field of 12 outstanding sprinters, including 10 individual Group 1 winners.
With bookmakers betting $7 the field and the rank outsider at $21, it only highlights the evenness of The Everest.
Bowman believes the absence of a dominant horse like Winx or Black Caviar makes The Everest an even better spectacle.
“Personally, I would love to be on a Winx or a Black Caviar going into a $13 million race,’’ Bowman said.
“But for the event, it is an absolute blessing that they are not in the race. This is such a very even field of outstanding sprinters, which I think is great for the race.’’
Bowman rides $14 chance Brave Smash in The Everest, with the jockey taking plenty of heart from the sprinter’s two lead-up runs.
“I couldn’t be happier with Brave Smash,’’ Bowman said. “This horse is going to peak on the day, he has been trained for the race.’’
Bowman has also left nothing to chance in his preparation for The Everest, undergoing his gruelling weekly gym session with personal trainer Trent Langlands.
During his workout, Bowman jumped between the different apparatus with confidence and poise, repeating the exercises many times, his timing so precise he didn’t make a mistake.
“We are trying to create balance in unbalanced situations and that is what being on top of a horse is,’’ Langlands said. “So the more strength, stability and balance a jockey can have on top of a horse will help them.”
Bowman said his physical wellbeing helped his mental approach to riding.
“I find the fitter I am the better I train, and the better I train the better I ride,’’ Bowman said.
The champion jockey’s superior fitness has enabled him to bounce back quickly after he was forced to stand down from riding at the Warwick Farm midweek meeting with flu-like symptoms.
But Bowman was feeling much better yesterday, declaring himself fit to ride.
“I’m really looking forward (to tomorrow) because The Everest last year was amazing,’’ Bowman said.
“The race was a real surprise to me. It was the first running of the race, I had my doubts and thought are they doing the right thing here?
“But the day had a really good feel. There was a young crowd, an enthusiastic crowd, and it was really cool to be a part of it. I’ve got no doubts The Everest is the future. It has got the Sydney spring back on the map.’’