After emotional Winx triumph, Hugh Bowman is hoping to kick Derby Day goals

HUGH Bowman has likened the emotional comedown after riding Winx to playing a State of Origin match and then returning to club footy.

Hugh Bowman celebrates after Winx’s Cox Plate triumph. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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HUGH Bowman has likened the emotional comedown after riding Winx to playing a State of Origin match and then returning to club footy.

But it’s not a bad club game on Saturday as Bowman chases Group 1 glory in the Victoria Derby for the fourth time.

The star jockey, still coming down from the exhilarating high of riding Winx to an extraordinary Cox Plate triumph, is aiming for another Victoria Derby win when he rides the Robbie Laing-trained So Si Bon in the Flemington feature.

Bowman felt on top of the world when Winx savoured her 13th straight victory last weekend, but admitted he felt a little flat on Tuesday as the regular routine of racing life returned.

He agreed it was like playing State of Origin footy then preparing to play for a club side the next weekend.

However, Bowman can’t wait to ride So Si Bon and says he is licking his lips at having a full book of rides on Derby Day.

“There is a bit of a comedown after riding Winx,” Bowman said.

“Even when I ride Winx I still can’t quite comprehend how much better she is than any other horse I have ever ridden.

“And I certainly won’t feel the same sort of expectation or tension this Saturday as I did last weekend when I was riding her.

“But the reality is Derby Day is probably the best day on the racing calendar.”

Bowman has never ridden So Si Bon on race day but is very familiar with trainer Laing, with the two having teamed up for Polanski’s win in the 2013 Derby.

Hugh Bowman celebrates after guiding Winx to a second Cox Plate win. Picture: Nicole Garmston

So Si Bon is the Derby third pick ($9) and will have plenty of admirers after flashing home in the Caulfield Guineas, and then closing late in the Vase.

Bowman said So Si Bon did not appear quite as strong as his most recent Derby winner Polanski but felt he had the class to win.

He also doubted the form of some of his Derby rivals.

Bowman rode Derby contender Tumultuous to win the Geelong Classic but reckoned that wasn’t the right form line.

“I am a bit sceptical about the Geelong form being good enough for this, and it might have all come a bit too soon for Tumultuous,” Bowman says.

“Wine Bush won the UCI Stakes but the question is whether he is good enough for the Derby?

“The favourite Sacred Elixir certainly looks the one to beat and I think him drawing barrier one only enhances his chances.

“I have been very lucky in the Derby in the past, to get on the right horse at the right time, and I am hoping that is the case again this year.”

Jockey Nick Hall has a big week ahead. Apart from partnering Melbourne Cup second favourite Jameka on Tuesday, he and trainer Ciaron Maher also have a knockout Derby hope with $14 chance Beach Life.

Hall was delighted with Beach Life drawing barrier eight and said the only query was whether he would run out a strong 2500m.

“It is a great draw for this horse and should ensure he is in the right place at the right time,” Hall said.

“Whether he can run the distance remains to be seen.”

Originally published as After emotional Winx triumph, Hugh Bowman is hoping to kick Derby Day goals