The burden of top weight and an outside barrier have punters shying away from Godolphin mare Flit in the Sheraco Stakes but it hasn’t dented the optimism of her jockey.
Hugh Bowman has enjoyed a great association with Flit, guiding her to her most significant wins in the 2019 Group One Thousand Guineas and this year’s Light Fingers Stakes.
He reunites with her for the first time since February and warns punters not to underestimate the James Cummings-trained mare.
“From a facts and figures point of view, as far as winning goes she is probably up against it but from my point of view, I expect her to run a huge race,” Bowman said.
“If I can get the right cart into it, that’s all she needs and there is no substitute for class.”
Flit was runner-up to Everest hopeful Eduardo when she resumed in the Missile Stakes and was chopped out of a run at a crucial stage when midfield behind Verry Elleegant in the Winx Stakes.
She drops 200m in distance to 1200m at Rosehill on Saturday but that has been offset by the addition of blinkers.
While returning Golden Slipper winner Farnan will be Bowman’s star ride at Rosehill he is also keen to test another three-year-old in the Dulcify Stakes (1500m).
Global Quest won last year’s Breeders’ Plate on debut and finished runner-up in the Canonbury Stakes and Silver Slipper.
Bowman has not ridden the colt recently but says Global Quest left an impression.
“He gives you an exceptional feel. With that bit more time and maturity, he just has to learn how to get the job done,” Bowman said.
Global Quest is one of three Chris Waller runners in the Dulcify along with favourite Mo’unga and Overlord.
