Hugh Bowman locks in Profiteer as his Golden Slipper ride

Hall of Fame jockey Hugh Bowman is convinced he has made the right choice with his early call to lock in Profiteer as his ride in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper.

Bowman could have deferred his decision until studying the results of this Saturday’s final qualifiers, the Pago Pago Stakes and Magic Night Stakes, but wanted to stay with Profiteer despite the colt losing his unbeaten record last start.

Profiteer’s narrow loss to Anamoe in the Todman Stakes last Saturday was still considered good enough for the Melbourne colt to retain Golden Slipper favouritism and for Bowman to take the ride in the world’s richest juvenile race at Rosehill Gardens on March 20.

“I thought Profiteer was good in defeat, I was very happy with him,’’ said Bowman, who won the Golden Slipper on Farnan last year.

Profiteer finished second to Anamoe in the Todman Stakes. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“He was a month between runs and can only improve on what he did. I really think that is the form race going into the Golden Slipper.

“I might be wrong but I would be surprised if the Todman Stakes is not the race that produces the Golden Slipper winner.’’

Profiteer, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior, remains at the top of Golden Slipper betting at $5 ahead of Stay Inside ($6), Blue Diamond winner Artorius is into $7 with Anamoe at $8.

Anamoe in the shadow of the post! What a win to take out the Todman Stakes. Gun ride from @RachelK11 for @godolphin! pic.twitter.com/wlzzsmuMxf

The Golden Slipper final field will be determined after Saturday’s Rosehill meeting with trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace now left with only Bruckner needing to win the Pago Pago Stakes on Saturday to give the stable a Slipper starter.

The Maher-Eustace stable confirmed on Wednesday that long-time Golden Slipper favourite Enthaar is out of the big race, joining stablemates Acrobat, Sneaky Five and Fake Love on the Slipper sidelines.

Meanwhile, Bowman is at Moonee Valley on Saturday where he will partner Mugatoo in the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m).

The Kris Lees-trained Mugatoo, who ran fourth in the Cox Plate last spring before his first-up fifth in the Apollo Stakes, is on the third line of All Star Mile betting at $9 behind top mares Arcadia Queen ($3.50 favourite) and Probabeel ($4).

“Mugatoo has been primed for this race,’’ Bowman said. “His premium distance is 2000m, we all agree with that, but there is no reason why he can’t perform really well over a mile.

“I think it is a winnable race. I’m surprised he didn’t get chosen (public vote) but he is in the race now and will give it a shake.’’

Originally published asGolden boy: Bowman keeps the faith with Profiteer

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