Hugh Bowman praised a “relaxed” Romantic Warrior following a super trial ahead of his tilt at a record-extending fourth Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) victory at Sha Tin in 12 days time.

The 13-time Group One winner will come up against a strong international field including the likes of fellow Group One victors Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion and Sosie, each vying for the HK$30 million feature.

Danny Shum Chap-shing’s stable star went to the line under a hold in a time of 1m 36.13s, finishing a short margin behind Numbers and followed in by Rubylot – both of whom are entered for the QEII Cup.

“He was great – went through his paces – he was nice and relaxed,” Bowman said of the eight-year-old.

“He can have a tendency sometimes to be a bit fresh and overdo it, but he was really relaxed this morning so that’s very encouraging for the team going into the big main event next weekend.

“He went to the line really well, he had a really good blow actually, so it will finish him off from a fitness perspective.”

Wednesday night sees Bowman line up a series of solid chances at the Valley, headlined by Storming Dragon in the second section of the Class Four Racing With Rugby Handicap (1,200m).

Bowman will jump on board the Jamie Richards-trained five-year-old for the first time. The consistent son of Star Turn should be well suited to Bowman’s style of riding with his get back and run-on approach when they jump from barrier 11.

“He’s racing in good form, consistent horse, but because of his pattern he sort of does need a bit of luck,” Bowman said.

“Consistency is a key here in Hong Kong and once you’ve got that, which he has, and you get the circumstances of the race to suit, you can win the race. Happy Valley provides that circumstance, so hopefully he gets it.”

Fantastic Fun appreciated the drop back to Class Four company last start when running second to Armor Golden Eagle by a neck, and will run at the same level on Wednesday when contesting the Class Four Winning Try Handicap (1,650m).

Bowman has been on board for both of the five-year-old’s victories in Hong Kong, and although the Justify galloper will jump with the top weight of 135lb, he believes the drop back in class will be a huge benefit.

After riding him in work during the week and drawing an ideal barrier of three, Bowman is looking forward to being in the saddle on Wednesday.

“I think he’s better placed Class Four with a big weight – one; because I can ride him, and two; because he’s probably not quite at the Class Three level,” Bowman said.

“He’s a consistent horse. He’s got a good draw, so the circumstances should suit him, and he’s going well. I rode him during the week and he feels really good.”

Bowman will also take the ride on the David Eustace-trained Sports Legend for the first time in the Class Three Golden Point Handicap (1,200m).

Bowman and Eustace have been enjoying consistent success and are looking to continue it when the Deep Field galloper steps out over his preferred course and distance following a smart trial win at Conghua two weeks prior.

“Dave [Eustace] tends to use me, not on everything, but I find that when he does offer me a ride it’s usually worth riding – and Sports Legend certainly fits into that category so let’s hope he can continue the good form,” Bowman said.

“He’s in good order. If we can just get the right run in transit, he could certainly figure in the finish.”

Bowman will take the reins on Cody Mo’s Romantic Laos for the first time since running second on him in 2024 when they line-up in the Class Four Successful Conversion Handicap (1,800m). The seven-year-old is another one of Bowman’s rides who benefited from a class drop last time out.

“He’s in good order. I’ve had this booking for quite some time and he looks very well-placed,” Bowman said.

Bowman’s book is completed by Spicy Spangle and Trendy Rush, as well as Courier Magic who was a pickup ride on Tuesday morning.