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Racing

Bowman in line for another Cox Plate

Hugh Bowman has flown in from Hong Kong looking to land the final Cox Plate at Moonee Valley before the track undergoes redevelopment.

Winx winning the Ladbrokes Cox Plate.
Winx winning the Ladbrokes Cox Plate. Picture: Racing and Sports

Now Hong Kong based jockey Hugh Bowman said he felt proud to get the call up from Chris Waller to ride Aeliana in the final Cox Plate at Moonee Valley before the track undergoes a redevelopment. 

 

Bowman and Waller combined with Winx to win the Cox Plate on four occasions, and the jockey accepted the ride on Aeliana after Waller sent out a call last week. 

Aeliana is one of three runners Waller has in Saturday's Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley joining last year's winner Via Sistina and Buckaroo. 

"Moonee Valley brings many great memories to both of us as a partnership," Bowman said. 

"The history of Winx and with Chris deciding to run Aeliana, he reached out to see if I would be interest in coming back. 

"I was delighted to get the call, really proud to be back on Australian soil and really proud to be competing in the final event on this course before it is redeveloped." 

Aeliana ($8) sits on the fourth line of betting in Saturday's race behind Via Sistina ($2.20), Antino ($3.90) and Treasurethe Moment. 

Bowman said he takes confidence in winning a fifth Cox Plate by the decision of Waller's in running Aeliana on Saturday. 

"That is enough for me," Bowman said. 

"I have had absolutely nothing to do with her (Aeliana) physically, but I've watched her replays, intently, and I have a good understanding from doing that. 

"I think it's a very interesting race. All the lead up form is there for everyone to see, but all the races have been run so slow. 

"With Globe coming out, although he led at some ridiculously slow pace the other day, he did appear to be the natural leader in the race. 

"It's a really interesting event. It's going to be extremely tactical, but ultimately you will see the best horse come to the fore." 

While there have been many to be dismissive of Aeliana fifth place finish in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 4, Bowman thought there was plenty of merit in the run. 

"If she had had the opportunity to build her momentum and get into gear, she could have easily finished a couple of lengths closer," Bowman said. 

"Even a length closer and she would be on the forefront of everyone's minds. 

"This style of race (on Saturday) is not going to suit the more favoured runners, and I think a more genuine speed will play into everyone's hands. 

"I have a healthy respect for Antino, particularly with the uncertainty of how the race will be run. 

"I just want to go out there and do my job and ensure Aeliana can run a peak performance and if circumstances suit, who is to say she can't get over the top of them. 

"I truly believe she can." 


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