LEADING Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman is poised to play a leading role in Lloyd Williams' attempt on a fourth Melbourne Cup after Williams' son Nick proclaimed him the best jockey in Australia following his winning ride on Mourayan in yesterday's the Bart Cummings at Flemington, reports the Sydney Morning Herald/The Age. It says: Backed late in the market from $9 to start at $6.50, Bowman rode a perfect on-speed race on the imported horse to land the listed race named in honour of the Melbourne Cup

LEADING Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman is poised to play a leading role in Lloyd Williams' attempt on a fourth Melbourne Cup after Williams' son Nick proclaimed him the best jockey in Australia following his winning ride on Mourayan in yesterday's the Bart Cummings at Flemington, reports the Sydney Morning Herald/The Age.

It says: Backed late in the market from $9 to start at $6.50, Bowman rode a perfect on-speed race on the imported horse to land the listed race named in honour of the Melbourne Cup master, registering the six-year-old's first victory in 17 starts in Australia.

''Australia's best jockey, Hugh Bowman,'' Williams announced as the jockey returned on the winner. ''You can see why [Sydney trainer] Chris Waller is winning all those races up there with Hughie on board. He's seriously in-form, Hugh Bowman.''

Williams said later that Bowman was in the picture to pick up a Melbourne Cup mount from the stable. ''But we're one of many stables who might be wanting his services,'' he said. ''You've only got to watch him ride to want him on your horse.''

It was hard to argue with his logic yesterday as under Bowman's smooth riding Mourayan treated his rivals with disdain as he ran clear at the top of the straight. On the line he had a two-length margin over the honest $3.80 favourite Niwot, with underrated Kiwi stayer Showcause ($31) sticking on well for third.

The win of Mourayan brought up a winning double for the Williams stable following the impressive performance earlier of Victoria Derby-bound colt Collar.