An outstanding front-running ride on the Chris Waller trained gelding Key West has seen star jockey Hugh Bowman notch up his fourth win in the Tab Sportsbet BM85 Handicap over 1300m at Rosehill today.
Photo by Racing and Sports
With the early tempo set by race favourite Duke of Cornwall moderate at best, Bowman seized the initiative on the usually more conservatively ridden Key West, rolling to the front and controlling the race.
From that point on the remainder of the field was always going to struggle to reel him in. Key West sprinted well and the race was over, the Peter Snowden trained pair Bereft and Bello running on to fill the placings.
Representing the Chris Waller yard Peter Muscatt was full of praise for the Bowman ride. 'Hugh took the bull by the horns, led, and just out-sprinted them.' Muscatt said. 'He always seems to get there too late and obviously the different tactics helped.' 'He probably enjoyed it up there.'
Bowman had ridden the Tale of the Cat gelding to finish second last time out and felt that he was likely to be better suited ridden more aggressively this time around.
'We probably rode him a bit too cute the other day and the winner just sprinted too quickly for me.' Said Bowman. 'Today the tempo was just ridiculous, I said to (rider of Duke of Cornwall) Sam (Clipperton) quicken up a bit mate, they'll be coming at us, but he didn't want to quicken up so I took the bull by the horns'.
Bowman was quick to praise trainer Chris Waller. 'He's trained at the track and Chris' horses always race very well here and this horse was no exception.'
