Bowman praises 'charismatic' Anthony Van Dyck ahead of Caulfield Cup bid

Australian jockey Hugh Bowman will bid for a first Caulfield Cup (7.15) on Saturday aboard Anthony Van Dyck and he was full of praise after sitting on the 2019 Derby winner for the first time.

The four-year-old, who also holds a Melbourne Cup entry, was last seen narrowly beating Stradivarius in the Prix Foy. He is among six Aidan O'Brien-trained horses being aimed at the Spring Carnival.

"It was nice to get to know him a bit," Bowman told Racing.com. "He's very charismatic and looks particularly well. He's a high-class individual and I'm looking forward to what he might do tomorrow."

Anthony Van Dyck will carry top weight in the $5 million (£2.75m) Group 1 handicap and is drawn in stall 21, but Bowman does not believe it will pose too much of a problem for the son of Galileo.

"He came from well back when he won the Derby," added Bowman, who partnered Winx in most of her starts. "He led in France but it was a bit of a trot and canter early on when he beat Stradivarius.

Hugh Bowman: triumphant aboard superstar WinxCredit: Mark Evans

"I actually see the draw as not too much of a negative because of his racing style. It might pan out to be a bad draw and it might pan out to be a good draw. We're not going to worry too much about that.

"There's a bit of rain forecast and I'm not sure I want to see too much of that as his best form has come on good ground."

Buckhurst, who won the Group 3 Alleged Stakes in June, will also line up in the event, as well as popular galloper Prince Of Arran.

Dashing Willougby, winner of the Henry II Stakes at Sandown, and True Self will represent trainers Andrew Balding and Willie Mullins.

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