Bowman Confident Winx Can Beat First Seal In Flight Stakes

Hugh Bowman has been the dominant jockey in the Flight Stakes in recent years and the leading hoop is confident that he can record his fifth win in the Group 1 event at Royal Randwick tomorrow.

Hugh Bowman is chasing his fifth Flight Stakes victory on Winx at Royal Randwick tomorrow.

Hugh Bowman is chasing his fifth Flight Stakes victory on Winx at Royal Randwick tomorrow. Photo by: Steve Hart

Bowman was aboard Winx when she stamped herself as a leading contender for the 2014 Flight Stakes with an upset win over Earthquake in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on September 6, but he missed the ride on the talented filly when she was beaten by First Seal in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at the same venue on September 20 due to suspension.

The leading hoop has had plenty to do with both Winx and First Seal and he told TVN that he is confident that Winx can turn-the-tables on First Seal in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) this weekend.

“I didn’t ride her last start but from watching the race I thought her second to First Seal was satisfactory,” Bowman said.

“However, I thought she’d win that race on the way she won the Furious Stakes for me over 1200m first up.

“I’ve done a fair bit of work on First Seal though and I know she’s pretty good.

“I think Winx is physically more forward than First Seal at the moment and has a better turn of foot.

“I thought Winx ran a bit flat last time, but if she can reproduce her fresh run she’ll be hard to beat.

“She’s a beautiful filly with an A-grade temperament and I’m looking forward to getting back on her.”

Bowman had his first success in the Flight Stakes when he steered Cheeky Choice to victory in the 2005 edition of the race and he won the Group 1 event the following year with champion filly Samantha Miss.

He added to his success in the race when he partnered Streama to her first of four wins at Group 1 level in 2011 and went back-to-back again on Norzita the following year.

Bowman believes that Samantha Miss is the best horse that he has ever ridden and he does not think that Winx can replicate the efforts of the Cox Plate placegetter, but he is of the opinion that Winx could be just as good as Norzita or Streama.

“She’s showing similar signs to Norzita and Streama,” Waller said.

She could be up to their level.”

Winx is currently available at 2014 Flight Stakes odds of $2.70 and is on the second line of betting behind First Seal ($2.50).

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.