Australian Cup Ideal For Bow Creek

The most thorough test of his international career faces Bow Creek when he runs in the G1 Australian Cup at Flemington, Australia on Saturday, March 12.

But on all the evidence available, the son of Shamardal is more than up to the task.

A well-performed "miler" in the UK and Ireland in the previous phase of his career, Bow Creek (John O'Shea/Damien Oliver) broke through for his first Australian win last start, scoring brilliantly in the G2 Peter Young Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield last month.

"That was the form we've been expecting from him, and there's no reason he can't reproduce it," said trainer John O'Shea.

"He's an exciting horse who races as well as he looks and this race looks just right for him."

Bow Creek has drawn the outside gate in the 11-runner field, but O'Shea isn't too concerned about that or the extra 200m of the Flemington race.

"If he's got an issue it's that he can miss the start a bit, so at least he won't be cluttered up on the inside from that draw," O'Shea said.

Bow Creek arrived in Australia last Spring and immediately showed off his talents finishing second at G2 level at Moonee Valley before running well at his first start this time in after suffering severe interference.

His last-start win was a just reward that nevertheless stunned his jockey Damien Oliver.

"His will-to-win is phenomenal, he's a very talented horse and with that sort of desire he's definitely up to G1 class," Oliver said.