Hugh Bowman is undeterred by Accession’s wide barrier in the $2 million Inglis Millennium saying the Chris Waller-trained colt can adapt to gate 14.
Before Tuesday’s draw, Accession and the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Dawn Passage shared TAB favouritism at $3 for Saturday’s inaugural running of the 1200m-race for Inglis sale graduates.
Dawn Passage will jump from seven and remains at $3 with Accession easing slightly to $3.20.
The two control the market with the next most fancied runners at $15.
“I would have preferred to draw further inside but he’s a horse that does tend to settle towards midfield or possibly a bit further back in his races so the draw isn’t the end of the world,” Bowman told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“Whatever wins the race will need some luck in running at some stage and it is no exception for Accession. I’m hoping more than anything that is our horse.”
Accession has won two of his three starts, once with Bowman aboard, while Dawn Passage has had just one start for a stylish win under Blake Shinn who rides on Saturday.
Bowman said he had ridden Accession in trackwork and he continued to make progress.
“I rode him this morning and I’m very encouraged by the way he’s progressed since that last run,” he said.
“He’s a horse that is ticking over really well. He’s very fresh and happy within himself.
“We would like to see him run well with the Golden Slipper in mind.”
Bott is equally enthusiastic about Dawn Passage and has not ruled out stablemate Espaaniyah who has drawn beside him in six but was unplaced at her most recent start.
“Dawn Passage has a brilliant turn of foot and will be better for his race experience,” he said.
“It is a nice draw for Espaaniyah. Barrier one last time turned out to be her undoing.”
