Bowman happily on solid Home Ground for Derby
CHAMPION jockey Hugh Bowman may not need Winx to still be the dominant rider at the Derby Day meeting at Flemington today.
Bowman has a strong book of eight rides including Home Ground in the Group 1 $ 2 million AAMI Victoria Derby ( 2500m). Bowman knows a thing or two about winning the Derby having won the classic previously on Lion Tamer ( 2010), Sangster ( 2011) and Polanski ( 2013).
Home Ground is attempting to become the first to win the Geelong Classic- Victoria Derby double since Haymaker in 1974 but Bowman gives the John Sargent- trained three- yearold a good each way chance.
“There’s not a lot of depth to the race and my guy is one of the better chances,” Bowman said.
He comes into the Derby in winning form from the Geelong Classic. Is that good enough form to win the Derby?
“Personally, I think Gai’s horse ( Thinkin’ Big) would have to run well under par for anything else to win.
“The reality is, if this horse can get a nice run, he goes in with nice form, but I think the favourite looks to have a bit of a mortgage on it to be honest.”
Bowman’s other Group 1 rides are Godolphin warhorse Hartnell in the $ 1 million Kennedy Mile ( 1600m), Lean Mean Machine in the $ 1 million Coolmore Stud Stakes ( 1200m) and Invincibella in the $ 500,000 Empire Rose Stakes ( 1600m).