The potential shown by Bow Creek in his brief Australian career became a reality when the former English galloper overcame a class field and a slow start to win the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, February 27.
The potential shown by Bow Creek in his brief Australian career became a reality when the former English galloper overcame a class field and a slow start to win the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, February 27.
An established miler in the UK, Bow Creek (John O'Shea/Damien Oliver) stepped up to 1800m (9 furlongs) and showed himself more-than-capable at the extra distance, weaving a path through the pack in the final 200m to win brilliantly.
For trainer John O'Shea the win justified the high opinion he formed of the horse almost from the moment he saw him.
"When I saw him in quarantine last Spring I was very impressed, and everything he's done since has confirmed that impression," he said.
"He got the good fast pace today that he likes and firm ground. When he shot through he really stuck his neck out.
"He had no luck last start and ran a much better race than it might have looked.
"Today he missed the start and had to wait for a run to open up and still won easily."
Bow Creek will now take another step up in class and distance in the G1 Australian Cup over 2000m at Flemington on March 12.
"That looked like a pretty good Australian Cup trial, he's given us a lot to look forward to," O'Shea said.
Winning jockey Damien Oliver described the win as "phenomenal under the circumstances".
"He missed the start and we looked like being stuck back on the inside forever," Oliver said.
"But to his credit, he grabbed the chance when the breaks came and was much too good."
Bow Creek had won G2 races at Goodwood and Leopardstown for English trainer Mark Johnston at his last two starts before joining Godolphin's Australian team last Spring.
On the same Caulfield card, the in-form three-year-old Tally (John O'Shea/Craig Williams) scored his third consecutive win, taking out the 1800m, G2 Autumn Classic.
Given a perfect ride by Craig Williams, Tally outclassed his opposition, dashing clear inside the final 250m to score impressively.
O'Shea said the colt will have his next start in the G2 Alister Clark Stakes of 2040m at Moonee Valley.
"We'll see how he's going after that and possibly give some thought to giving him his chance in the Derby," O'Shea said.
