Hugh Bowman hailed Romantic Soldier as “calm” following a high-profile trial before he lifted his record fourth QEII Group One (2,000m) win against Sha Tin in 12 days.
The 13-time Group One winner will face a strong international field including fellow Group One winners Masquerade Ball, Champion Royal and Sosie, each vying for a HK$30 million prize.
Danny Shum’s strong star Chap-shing went to the line in a time of 1m 36.13s, finishing a short distance behind Numbers followed by Rubylot – both of whom have been entered for the QEII Cup.
“He was good — he went through his paces — he was nice and calm,” Bowman said of the eight-year-old.
“He can have a tendency sometimes to be a bit too clean and over-the-top, but he was rested this morning so that’s very encouraging for the team going into the big event next weekend.
“He went to the line very well, he had a very good shot, so it will finish from a balance point of view.”
Wednesday night sees Bowman line up a strong line-up at Valley, led by Storming Dragon in the second leg of the Grade Four Rugby Handicap (1,200m).
Bowman will make his debut for the Jamie Richards-trained five-year-old. The stable son of Star Turn should suit Bowman’s driving style well with his way back and running when he jumps from barrier 11.
“He’s running in good form, a solid horse, but because of his structure he needs luck,” Bowman said.
“Consistency is the key here in Hong Kong and when you get that, which he has, and get the racing environment to match, you can win races. Happy Valley provides that, so we hope he gets it.”
Fantastic Fun appreciated the drop in Grade Four company last start when second to Armor Golden Eagle by a neck, and will run at the same level on Wednesday in the Grade Four Winning Try Handicap (1,650m).
Bowman has been on board for both of the five-year-olds’ wins in Hong Kong, and although Justify’s galloper will fly with a top weight of 135lb, he believes the drop in class will be hugely beneficial.
After putting him to work during the week and drawing an excellent three-man block, Bowman is looking forward to being in the saddle on Wednesday.
“I think he’d better keep a Class Four with a big weight — one; because I can ride him, and two; because he’s probably not quite at the level of a Class Three,” Bowman said.
“He’s a solid horse. He’s got a good pattern, so the conditions should suit him, and he’s doing well. I rode him during the week and he feels really good.”
Bowman will also ride the David Eustace-trained Sports Legend for the first time in the Grade Three Gold Points Handicap (1,200m).
Bowman and Eustace have been enjoying consistent success and look to build on that when the Deep Field sprinter takes off over his preferred course and distance following a fine trial win at Conghua two weeks ago.
“Dave (Eustace) always uses me, not for everything, but I find that when he gives me a ride it’s usually worth a ride – and Sports Legend certainly fits into that group so hopefully he can continue the good form,” Bowman said.
“He’s in good shape. If we can just get the right pace in transit, he could definitely finish.”
Bowman will bag Cody Mo’s Romantic Laos for the first time since finishing second in 2024 when they enter the Grade Four Successful Conversion Handicap (1,800m). The seven-year-old is one of Bowman’s riders who benefited from a drop in class last time out.
“He’s in great shape. I’ve had this reservation for a long time and he seems to be doing really well,” Bowman said.
Bowman’s book is completed by Spicy Spangle and Trendy Rush, as well as Courier Magic who was a traveler on Tuesday morning.
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