He has ridden a number of the leading contenders in the lead-up to the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) but jockey Hugh Bowman is happy to be on current favourite Prince Harada in the $1 million event.

Jockey Hugh Bowman will ride Prince Harada for the first time in the Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Bowman looked set to ride Eurozone in the Golden Rose, after partnering the Cummings-trained colt in The Run To The Rose (1200m) a fortnight ago, but wasted no time jumping on board Prince Harada when trainer Tony Vasil made the decision to bring the three-year-old to Sydney this weekend.

“Initially I don’t think that the horse had any plans to come up for the race, my understanding was that there was no suitable 1400 metre race in Melbourne going forward to the Caulfield Guineas and after he ran well the other day this race became a realistic option,” Bowman told Racing Ahead on RSN.

“Tony decided to bring him up and he is owned by some pretty good friends of mine so that is how the ride came about.”

Prince Harada remains the favourite in Golden Rose betting markets but he has drifted slightly since drawing the inside barrier.

Bowman said that he is wary about getting caught on the rail and is expecting luck to play a role in the outcome of the race.

“I have noticed that he is not the best horse into stride so I am hoping that I can get him out into a reasonable position,” Bowman said.

“Obviously I don’t want to tinker with his racing pattern too much and I will be guided by Tony as well when I discuss the race with him.

“Luck in running is going to play a big part in whatever wins the race and the way that I see it I am on one of the best chances.

“I just hope I can get a trouble free run because if I do we will see the best of him.”

Bowman is chasing his fourth victory in the Golden Rose after previously winning the race with In Top Swing (2003), Doonan (2004) and Duporth (2008).