Trainer’s hoping that Begood can be better
DANIEL Bowman believes this is the campaign in which he will find out where his stable star Begood Toya Mother sits in the scheme of things and whether he’s a genuine Group 1 weight-for-age galloper.
Bowman believes Begood Toya Mother is physically ready to take the next step after reaping the benefits of a spell last spring.
Begood Toya Mother will race on Friday night at The Valley in the Group 2 $200,000 Australia Stakes (1200m), a campaign that could culminate in a start in the All-Star Mile on March 14.
He has already given Bowman the highlight of his career with his win in the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at his last start at Caulfield in September but he’s going to throw him in at the deep end this campaign.
“He’ll run in the Group 2 Australia Stakes and then the Group Ones at Caulfield over 1400m in the Orr Stakes and the Futurity Stakes. We’ll know where we stand very quickly,” Bowman said.
Begood Toya Mother is already high up in the All-Star Mile voting with 1222 votes, in sixth place.
Bowman said he wouldn’t run the race for the sake of it.
“He’ll need to win the Orr or the Futurity Stakes to run in it. There’s no point running in the strongest mile race for 10 years if he can’t win at that level over 1400m.”
Bowman believes Begood Toya Mother can measure up at that level, saying he had strengthened in this campaign.
“He’s coping with his work much better. I think he’s ready to take the next step to Group 1 weight-for-age.”
Bowman said spelling Begood Toya Mother when he did had meant he could give him a steady build-up for his return to racing.
“I haven’t had to put the pressure on him to get him fit. He’s been in work two months. He’s a lot stronger but he’s still not the fully finished product.”
Bowman is also excited about the prospect of rain this week for Begood Toya Mother, saying it will take the edge off some of his rivals.