Exceptional jockey Hugh Bowman heads into Saturday’s Victoria Derby Day meeting on the cusp of another milestone in his hugely successful riding career.

Bowman currently has 99 Australian Group 1 wins and has three chances on Saturday to break the ton in his homeland.

Bowman has performed on Derby Day many times, having led Lion Tamer, Sangster, Polanski and Flying Artie to memorable triumphs on that day during his career.

“I won three Derbies, I won the Coolmore, I didn’t win the Empire Rose, but I think I won every other race scheduled,” Bowman said.

“It’s just a great day to be a part of.”

Bowman could have the chance to score a decisive victory in the Empire Rose Stakes when he rides Gary Portelli’s Kimochi on Saturday.

The daughter of Brave Smash deserves a G1 on her CV, having placed three times at the highest level, while finishing a close fourth in the Silver Eagle last time out.

“She’s got great form, she’s got a sense of timing but it’s a good race, I’ve got a good barrier, that’s going to help,” Bowman said.

WATCH: Kimochi’s final race

OSTRAKA wins the Silver Eagle !

All along the way @blake_shinn on the @ANeashamRacing aged four and he holds off a wall of challengers with Xidaki second and War Machine third. All three are now exempt from voting under the $10 million Golden Eagle. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/brbWbapXzQ

– Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) October 19, 2024

In total, Bowman has seven rides at Flemington and will also be in the saddle aboard Keeneland in the Victoria Derby and Bodyguard in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Well known for his association with Winx, Bowman is based in Hong Kong these days and has ridden 18 winners there so far this season, putting him in second place in the championship behind fellow Australian Zac Purton.

“I think it’s been good,” Bowman said of how he started this season in Hong Kong.

“I enjoy the driving, I enjoy the system. I’m happy, things are going well.”