Hugh Bowman will make a flying trip to Australia to reunite with the front-running Lindermann in the Group One Underwood Stakes (1,800m) at Caulfield on September 23.

Bowman partnered the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old into 12th in the Group One Winx Stakes (1,400m) at Randwick during the Hong Kong off-season before watching on from afar as the son of Lonhro ran an improved fourth in the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes (1,600m) under Dylan Gibbons on September 2.

“I rode him in the Winx Stakes, and he choked down. Despite the result, I was satisfied with his run, and then I thought his second-up run was unreal,” Bowman said of Lindermann, who tasted top-level success in March’s Rosehill Guineas (2,000m).

“I like Caulfield for him, and I like the 1,800m. I’ve got a couple of rides for Mr Waller on the day.”

Before turning his attention to his Australian raid, Bowman – who is also on the hunt for a ride in The Everest – will look to continue his positive start to the new Hong Kong campaign after riding a double at Sunday’s season opener.

After arriving a couple of months into last season, Bowman amassed 62 wins to finish third in the premiership and is confident he can build on that number in his first full Hong Kong campaign.

“My first two rides [on Sunday] were winners, so I couldn’t have started any better. I’ve come into the new season fit and healthy. I’ve still got a couple of pounds to lose to find my minimum weight, but I’ll do that soon enough. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead,” said Bowman, confirming he has triple figures in his sights in 2023-24.

“I think it’s a realistic goal. There’s constant talk in the media about trying to challenge Zac, but it’s not a goal of mine. It’s not realistic.

Hugh Bowman and D Star return after winning at Happy Valley in July.

“But if I can build on what I did last year, while I thought 100 was really pushing it – it’s quite a high mark to try and achieve – I think on last year it’s achievable.

“It’s not going to change my life if I don’t get it, but I thought rather than trying to aim at Zac, if I aim up at 100, that’s setting myself a pretty substantial goal to work towards.”

Bowman has seven rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, jumping back aboard D Star in the Class Four Tung Chung Handicap (1,650m) after piloting him to victory late last term.

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“His trial was good. He felt to me like he had that little bit of enthusiasm. With the summer break and not doing much, he might just bounce and put himself a bit closer in the run, which would be an advantage. He’s a consistent horse, but he just needs things to go his way,” Bowman said of the Tony Cruz-trained four-year-old.

Bowman and David Hall took out the first race of the season at Sha Tin on the weekend, and they will be looking to draw first blood at Happy Valley as well with Vamos in the Class Five Yi O Handicap (1,200m).

“Vamos is going really well. He was going really well at the back end of last year, but he just doesn’t seem to want to put his head in front. He’s got the perfect draw to get the perfect run. All he needs to do is give me that extra bit of effort and he’ll win,” Bowman said.

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