Hugh Bowman hopes Straight Arron has what it takes to throw down the gauntlet to Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in Sunday’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin.

Returning from his five-meeting suspension on Sunday’s 10-race card, Bowman is aware of the tough task ahead of Straight Arron but believes his mount can mix it with the main protagonists.

“He’s certainly showed that he’s not far behind Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble,” Bowman said. “He might even have a bit of an advantage over Voyage Bubble at the 2,000m.

“We’re going there with a horse in really good form. He’s certainly in the mix and he’ll just need a few things to go his way. If they do, he’ll be right there with them.”

After finding traffic turning for home, Straight Arron kept on well from the rear of the field to finish third in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) earlier this month.

The five-year-old carried 135 pounds and gave both the winner, Nimble Nimbus, and the runner-up, Five G Patch, 20 pounds.

“He felt good. He had the 135 and if he had a bit of room up the straight, I’m not saying he would have won, but it certainly might have made things interesting for him. That being said, he wasn’t taking on Romantic Warrior.”

Although Straight Arron did not have Romantic Warrior standing in his way on that occasion, the Caspar Fownes-trained galloper did meet the superstar son of Acclamation in December’s Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m).

Straight Arron was gallant in defeat, beaten only three-quarters of a length in fourth by Romantic Warrior. Luxembourg and Hishi Iguazu filled the placings in the thrilling contest, a race Bowman thinks may have suited the eventual winner.

“If Romantic Warrior doesn’t get his own way – most of his dominant wins have been when he’s had everything to suit – all of a sudden he’s going to be vulnerable,” said Bowman, who partnered Romantic Warrior in a recent barrier trial.

“We’re under no illusions [as to] where we sit in the pecking order, but horse racing is horse racing, and Straight Arron is certainly a worthy contender.”

Bowman, who faces another three-meeting ban from March 13, has spent more time on the sidelines this season than he has in the saddle, missing 25 of the 48 cards.

Hopping aboard six gallopers this Sunday, the 43-year-old hopes a good weekend can provide the perfect springboard to a string of exciting rides in the next month.

“It’s been a bit of a frustrating period, but it’s nice to be looking forward to some nice rides – not only this weekend but in the coming weeks as well,” he said.

One of Bowman’s star upcoming mounts is the red-hot favourite for next week’s Classic Cup (1,800m), Helios Express, who had his latest hit-out at Sha Tin on Thursday morning.

The runaway Classic Mile winner loomed ominously in a hot 1,200m all-weather trial before keeping on a touch one-paced to finish fifth.

Helios Express shows star qualities with Classic Mile romp at Sha Tin

“He’s good, he’s happy,” Bowman said. “He didn’t finish off his trial quite like he did last time, but it was a different kind of trial. He sort of did his work mid-trial, so I’m not concerned.

“He looks a treat, feels good and he had a nice blow. It was just a nice tick over to next week’s Classic Cup.”

Classic Mile runner-up Helene Feeling won the trial, while California Spangle, Speed Dragon, Chancheng Glory and Ka Ying Generation also featured.