Prepare for a thrilling Super Saturday as jockey Hugh Bowman gears up for a packed schedule in Hong Kong, but will he pull off a major upset?
Before jetting off to Melbourne, Bowman is set to make waves at Sha Tin this Sunday, teaming up with fellow Australian jockey Mark Newnham for two high-stakes races. The anticipation is palpable, especially for the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup, where Bowman will be astride the promising My Wish, aiming to challenge the formidable Romantic Warrior, the celebrated champion of the 2023 Cox Plate.
Bowman, who has previously partnered with Romantic Warrior in trackwork and trials, has openly praised the horse as a "special horse." However, he's far from conceding defeat before the race even begins. "It's a horse race, so you never really know," Bowman remarked. "If everything goes according to plan for Romantic Warrior, with a clear run and no surprises, then yes, I'd have to say he appears to have the measure of the field, quite clearly. But you simply can't predict the unpredictable."
He added with confidence, "My horse is primed to deliver a truly excellent performance, and I'm certain he will."
Later in the afternoon, the accomplished four-time Cox Plate winner will continue his partnership with Invincible Ibis in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, a demanding 1800m contest. Bowman expressed his satisfaction with Invincible Ibis drawing barrier two for this crucial middle leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which will ultimately lead to the prestigious Hong Kong Derby on March 22.
"This is a far more advantageous situation compared to the outside barrier we had in the Classic Mile," he noted. "He's progressing beautifully, so I'm eagerly anticipating riding him again."
Bowman has been in winning form, having celebrated a victory at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. He currently holds a strong position in the Hong Kong jockeys' premiership, sitting in second place with 35 wins, hot on the heels of the runaway leader and fellow Australian, Zac Purton.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Bowman acknowledges Romantic Warrior's exceptional talent, is it possible that his intimate knowledge of the Cox Plate champion could actually give My Wish the edge? Or is Romantic Warrior simply too dominant to be truly challenged by an up-and-comer, regardless of the jockey?
What are your thoughts? Do you believe Bowman can pull off an upset, or is Romantic Warrior destined for another victory? Let us know in the comments below!
