On the same day he snared the ride on popular English visitor Red Cadeaux, Hugh Bowman has claimed another win on a horse he describes as a personal favourite.
Catkins is also a favourite with punters who sent her out at $2.30 to win Saturday’s Group Two Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill.
The Chris Waller-trained mare came from behind and held off Plucky Belle ($21) by a half length with Avoid Lightning ($3.50) another three-quarters of a length third.
Catkins will progress through the carnival in search of a Group One win while Bowman will also be out to claim an elusive Australian victory on three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux.
He replaces the suspended Gerald Mosse aboard the English horse who has his first autumn run in the Australian Cup on March 14.
“I’m very excited to ride Red Cadeaux,” Bowman said.
“Everyone knows how good he is and he is very popular here.
“Catkins is also very good and her class prevailed again.
“There was a genuine speed and she also got the ground she likes with just a bit of give in it.”
Waller said his only problem with Catkins was setting a program to give her every chance to claim a Group One win with the target the Queen Of The Turf Stakes in April.
“It’s always a relief when she wins. Horses become like your children and you get very protective of them,” he said.
“She will probably run next in the Canterbury Stakes at weight-for-age in two weeks,” he said.
“Then she would go to the Emancipation on the way to the Queen Of The Turf.”
Catkins has won 14 of her 29 starts and been placed another 10 times, with Bowman her regular rider and aboard for her two wins this preparation in the Breeders’ Classic and Millie Fox.
