Bowman tests one of many Cup options at Werribee

Brad Waters - Thursday October 5

Top Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman has a good problem.

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Hugh Bowman has plenty of options for Caulfield and Melbourne Cup rides. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Bowman has a plethora of options for a Caulfield Cup and a Melbourne Cup ride, enjoying the pick of a number of international and locally-trained runners to pilot in Australia's big Cups.

Bowman tested the German-trained runner Red Cardinal in a gallop at Werribee on Thursday morning in which the Melbourne Cup entrant strode out well to finish on terms with stablemate Garcia.

The dual Cox Plate-winning jockey said Red Cardinal impressed him with his work but he would be back at Werribee on the weekend to try out a Caulfield Cup ride.

"I'm very pleased with him," Bowman said. "He moved very well and he's a very good-looking horse.

"I'll come back on Saturday and ride Marmelo and have a feel of him and we'll see what we think.

"Also, (syndicator) Darren Dance has been in touch with me regarding Tiberian so that's another option on the table now."

Bowman has enjoyed success with the Lloyd Williams operation in recent years and said continuing that partnership in the Caufield or Melbourne Cup is also an option.

"Lloyd has said there will be something there for me if I want so we'll wait and get through the weekend and see what he has available and where he wants to go with his horses," Bowman said.

"In fairness to everyone involved, people want to know what direction they are going and I'll be liaising with the connections of the horses and I'll be making a decision in time for them to get someone.

"It's a good position to be in. I'm very fortunate and very grateful for the opportunities but I want to be fair to everyone."

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