A million dollar gamble by jockey Hugh Bowman paid off at Rosehill today when he lifted classy colt Duporth to a narrow win in the Golden Rose for three-year-olds.
Bowman made a commitment to trainer Anthony Cummings two months ago to ride Duporth through his spring campaign, a decision that now looks set to carry the young jockey to even greater heights.
Cummings named next month's $1 million Caulfield Guineas as the next big target for Duporth after he stamped his class on the Golden Rose field with his determination after it appeared he would be beaten by the filly Stripper.
Given the best run by Bowman, Duporth split horses one of the fence in the straight but didn't have the acceleration to match the fast sprint Stripper produced form midfeld.
Stripper's momentum saw her take a narrow lead inside the final 200m but Duporth lifted under Bowman's riding to hit the line better than the filly.
There was a host of luckless runs behind the first pair, none more than Desuetude who lost his unbeaten record when he charged to the line to finish third after being cut out of a run between horses at the top of the straight.
He finished fast to grab third from the David Hayes-trained All American, who had been in a striking position from the jump but also found himself in trouble getting a clear run when he needed it turning for home.
Cummings said there were several options for Duporth over the next month including the $175,000 MGA Spring Stakes at Newcastle and the Group One George Main Stakes at Randwick before he sends the Red Ransom colt to Melbourne.
“The Caulfield Guineas is the main aim,” Cummings said.
“”He's a marvellous animal and will get better, he has a very bright future.”
Bowman rated Duporth the best three-year-old he has ridden since his association with the brilliant Exceed And Excel.
“”He is a top class horse and I am very pleased to be his jockey,” Bowman said.
“Anthony asked me to make a commitment to riding him through the spring and I am glad I decided to stick with him.
“He oozes class and is the best three-year-old I have ridden since Exceed And Excel.”
after he stamped his class on the Golden Rose field with his determination after it appeared he would be beaten by the filly Stripper.