Bow Creek missed the start in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield this afternoon but produced an incredible recovery to win the Group 2 race by close to two lengths.
Bow Creek will head to the Australian Cup after winning the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos
Bow Creek was unable to post a maiden win in Australia through three starts prior to the Peter Young Stakes, and appeared to be staring down the barrel of another forgettable day at the races when completely missing the start and giving all his rivals an immediate lead.
Champion hoop Damien Oliver pressed the Shamardal entire forward and settled within the field as a number of notable horses including Mourinho, Messene and Our Ivanhowe set the pace.
Riding for luck, Oliver elected to stay on the fence rounding into the final straight and was rewarded for the decision when a run opened up and the five-year-old produced a scintillating turn of foot.
Oliver’s ride was arguably the difference in success this afternoon but was quick to lay all the praise on the quality of Bow Creek.
“It’s an electric turn of foot, the acceleration of a top class horse,” Oliver said.
“He walked out of the gates but I was able to take up a midfield position on the fence.
“When you’re riding a horse that’s got the acceleration of this horse, you can ride with a bit of confidence knowing that any gap that comes they’ll take quickly.
“He’s not a big horse, but when I really asked for him in that final 200m he accelerated really well.”
Representative for Godolphin Australia David Charles confirmed the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington in a fortnight will figure as the next target for Bow Creek should he come through today’s run well.
“Ollie gave him a great ride and the horse really sprinted, it was very impressive,” Charles said.
“He’s really adapted to the Australian style of training, has really clicked with John’s styles of training and we’ve brought him here to the races today and he’s shown what he can actually do.
“The plan is to head to the Australian Cup if he pulls up well. No doubt this is the traditional path to take and we hope the tradition can continue.”
Bow Creek began is racing career under the guidance of notable British trainer Mark Johnston and has posted six wins and five minors through 21 competitive starts.
