Hugh Bowman hadn’t had anything to do with Raceway before his debut but the leading jockey hopes he now has plenty more to do with the colt after a stunning debut victory at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
Raceway announced himself as a Golden Slipper prospect as he made light work of the Warwick Farm 100 Club Plate (1000m), earning big praise from the premiership-leading jockey after the four-length victory.
Raceway announcing himself as a Golden Slipper prospect - Photo by Steve Hart
“He’s the nicest two-year-old I’ve ridden for quite some time,” Bowman declared.
“I had nothing to do with the horse before today but with a bit of luck I might have a bit more to do with him.”
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, Raceway ($2.45 fav) is raced by a number of the same owners that enjoyed Golden Slipper success with Sebring in 2008.
The youngster carries the same colours of Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds as Sebring did, and his owners are hoping to enjoy a similar ride.
Judging by the way Raceway extended in the straight the colt is in for an exciting autumn carnival, with Bowman even easing the son of More Than Ready down over the final 100 metres.
On the post Raceway had a big advantage over runner-up Agueda ($7) with another two lengths to Emperor Of Rome ($41) in third.
Dear Demi ($4.20), who was chasing a Magic Millions Classic berth, found the 1000m too short but flashed home late for fourth.
Raceway was slow to begin but mustered speed and despite sitting wide the colt relaxed for Bowman and unleashed a powerful finishing sprint when he was asked to go after the leaders.
“That’s what really impressed me today, he went forward and then came back and then went forward again and then he settled,” Bowman said.
“Then when I pulled him out he had them beaten in a stride. His best work was late when I sat up on him.”
Raceway’s victory continued Waterhouse’s excellent start to the season in the two-year-old races, with the colt joining stablemates Pierro, Driefontein, Pure Hustle and No Looking Back as city winners.
AAP TURF
