Hugh Bowman is in the box seat for a second Sydney premiership and has set himself the target of reaching triple figures for the first time in his career.
Bowman has had his premiership lead cut to six by an in-form Nash Rawiller over the Sydney autumn carnival but the 2008/09 premiership winner believes he is on target to reach 100 metropolitan wins.
Rawiller, winner of the past two premierships, will be in Brisbane on Saturday for the BTC Cup program while Bowman has a full book of rides at Rosehill including seven for premier trainer Chris Waller.
Waller is on the verge of his second straight 100-win season in Sydney, currently sitting on 95.
Bowman will partner Group One winner The Verminator in Saturday’s feature, the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) while he rates three-year-old Lucripetous his best chance in the Zac Homes Handicap (1800m).
Bowman has 74 Sydney winners with 2-1/2 months of the season remaining.
He said his focus was only on his only riding and form.
“I think 100 wins is achievable,” Bowman said.
“Whether Nash rides more or less than that, I can’t control that.
“I rode 98 the year I won the premiership and that’s the goal, to get to triple figures.”
Bowman admits he would love to win the premiership again, with his successes during the 2011/12 campaign including Group Ones in the Victoria Derby and Flight Stakes in the spring, and the Chipping Norton Stakes and Australian Oaks during the autumn.
The Verminator is one of three Lord Mayor’s Cup entries for Waller with The Verminator’s weight (59.5kg) the key factor in Bowman’s booking.
“I would have been on Firebolt but he’s a bit light (with 54.5kg),” Bowman said.
“He (The Verminator) has got a more appropriate weight which is why I’m on him.
“He’s got class for sure, but he’s going to need to step up a notch on his current form to win. But he’s certainly got the class.”
Lucripetous holds a nomination for next month’s Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) and is the $2.70 favourite with TAB Sportsbet for Saturday’s race against his own age over 1800m.
“He’s an improving type and is getting to a trip that he’ll like,” Bowman said.
“I rode him in a trial during the week and he trialled well so this looks an ideal race for him.”
