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| Dane Squance |
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Hall of Fame jockey Hugh Bowman is convinced Lost And Running is a superior sprinter than when he ran a close fourth in Nature Strip's The Everest last year.
But, he acknowledges Nature Strip is also a better horse and is now universally recognised as the world's No.1-ranked sprinter.
This sets up an intriguing return clash between Nature Strip and Lost And Running for the $15m The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Hugh Bowman feels Lost And Running is his best chance yet to win The Everest. Picture: Getty Images
In fact, the top four finishers from last year's with runner-up Masked Crusader and minor placegetter Eduardo are back in The Everest mix.
The quartet are all at the top of The Everest betting with Nature Strip the $2 favourite, Lost And Running next at $6.50, then Masked Crusader and Eduardo on the third line at $11, along with crack colt Jacquinot.
Bowman hasn't even managed a placing in The Everest so far, in fact Lost And Running's fourth last year is the closest the champion jockey has come to winning the world's richest turf race – but it could be different on Saturday.
"Lost And Running is my best chance yet to win The Everest," Bowman declared.
"Look, I'm under no illusions about the task ahead of us but win, lose or draw, I feel he is ready to run a peak performance.
"Whether that is good enough to win or not is another thing but the horse is flying."
Lost And Running, trained by John O'Shea, has been improved by two runs from a spell and goes to The Everest after his tough win over Mazu and Masked Crusader in the Premiere Stakes two weeks ago.
The improving track conditions are also in Lost And Running's favour with Randwick's course proper back to a Soft 7 late on Friday afternoon with another upgrade is likely.
Lost And Running has drawn nicely in barrier seven and should be able to get the run of the race.
Lost And Running (outside) scored a tough win in the Premiere Stakes last start. Picture: Grant Guy
Nature Strip has drawn the outside barrier in the 12-horse field but neither trainer Chris Waller or jockey James McDonald are concerned.
They both feel Nature Strip is better drawn out wide – and Bowman agrees.
"If Nature Strip gets a really smooth passage, which is quite likely he will from the draw, is he beatable? I have to say that is questionable," Bowman said.
"The (betting) market is reflective of that but all those things are out of my control.
"All I can do is ride Lost and Running to run as well as he can, and if I do that then that's my job done, and I can't see him disappointing us."
Bowman revealed he was studying the form on Friday morning for the Royal Randwick meeting when he was struck by the changing nature of Australian racing.
"Who would have thought you would rather be in Sydney on Caulfield Cup Day than in Melbourne," Bowman said.
"The Randwick meeting is unreal."
Bowman is banking on his decision to ride at Royal Randwick on Saturday being vindicated as he has picked up nine outstanding rides on a blockbuster race day.
Lost And Running aside, Bowman's other rides include Team Hawkes' boom sprinter Remarque in the $2m Sydney Stakes (1200m), unbeaten Talbragar in the $2m The Kosciuszko (1200m), emerging Waterford in the $1m Silver Eagle (1300m) and the smart Rustic Steel in the $1m Five Diamond Prelude (1500m).
Copy: Racenet
