The Hunter River Times

BY ALEX TIGANI

If you ask Jan Bowen, Casino Kid is just a dream.

It is a big statement for the legendary Muswellbrook trainer when looking back on her success with Jest Crusin’ and Lucky Night.

Yet the five-year-old gelding appears to be her finest prospect and has prompted water cooler conversations across the Upper Hunter since qualifying for the $2M Big Dance Race to be held on Tuesday, November 1 at Randwick.

“We will just let him idle over the next month and have him spot on for that,” Ms Bowen told The Hunter River Times after his Dubbo Gold Cup victory.

On Saturday, September 24 we were granted a firsthand look at the graceful horse with track rider Lauren van Tijn before Jan’s granddaughter hosed it down.

The plaudits continued.

“From my experiencing working in different stables I have never seen a horse have such little issues, that has such an ability,” Lauren explained.

“Any horse with this ability may have tongue ties on, getting injected but he has plain nothing.”

Bred just outside of Merriwa, there’s no denying that Casino Kid will be flying the flag for the entire Hunter Valley in three weeks’ time.

It also came close to career win number-seven on Saturday, finishing second to Kris Lees’ Hosier in the 1600m 3-Y-O & Up, BM88, Handicap.

Those at Randwick that afternoon would have pencilled it in for a 1800m race upon reflection.

“He jumped well and was right there with him and he was so slow in the first 600m and it was just a short sprint home,” Jan added.

“I could not be happier with the way he finished the race off, 1800m he wins but 1600m was just too short.”

If there was a horse worth discussing based on form, temperament and elegance then look no further than Casino Kid.

MEANWHILE the celebrations continued on Monday when Irish apprentice jockey Louise Day rode Jan’s Borrowed Luck to victory.

Jan was over the moon to celebrate the victory with Medowie based owners John and Barbara Gallagher.

“It is really nice to get a win for this lady who breeds them, races them and lives for her racing,” she concluded.

“She works her butt off, breeds horses and just loves the industry so it was just so nice to get another win for her.”

It paid $31 for the win.