Bowman set to ride Hiflyer at Rosehill

Hugh Bowman will ride New Zealander Hiflyer in the Listed Winter Challenge at Rosehill.

New Zealand trainer Peter Lock is hoping to have some luck fall his way when Hiflyer runs in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.

The rising six-year-old is one of three horses to make the trip across the Tasman for a winter campaign.

Hiflyer ran fourth in the Winter Stakes at Rosehill on July 14 while Lock saddled Dougie and Mr Luigi at Randwick on Saturday.

Dougie beat one runner home over 1600m in his race while Mr Luigi has been retired with tendon problems after tailing the field home in the final event.

“It’s one of things in racing that makes you a little bit stronger for next time,” Lock said.

Lock has snared Winx’s jockey Hugh Bowman to ride Hiflyer and is confident the gelding can run well in Saturday’s 1500m race.

Hiflyer is a dual Group Three winner and a Group One placegetter in New Zealand and Lock says he’s improved following his first-up run in Australia.

“The 1400 metres was way too short of his best and the 1500 metres might still be a bit short for him too, but he’s a pretty talented horse,” Lock said.

“If we can get a nice cosy run we might get a little bit closer.”

With a rating of 106, Hiflyer heads the 22 entries for the race which include Invinzabeel and Special Missile who finished second and third in the Winter Stakes won by Dreamforce.

Lock said Hiflyer was likely to head home after his next outing to run at the Hawke’s Bay carnival before a possible return to Australia.

He said the gelding was a finicky eater but had settled in well at Randwick.

“That’s why we’re over here now,” Lock said.

“Everyone tells me they’re always better when they come back a second time.

“If he comes up in New Zealand and does something nice we’ll head to some of the nice mile races over here and look at the Toorak Handicap and possibly the Cantala Stakes, but he’s got to step up to the mark.

“I’m under no illusions. I’ve been here two or three times and it’s not an easy task and it will be even harder during the spring.

“But I think he’s one of the best horses I’ve had since I started training.”