Sean Bowen Friday rides blog: 'This ground should be much more to her liking'

Sean Bowen previews his five rides at Windsor on Friday, January 16, 2026 and reacts to Harry Cobden's new job as JP McManus' retained rider in his latest blog.

• They Call Me Hugo - Windsor - 12.40 race odds

• Alnilam - Windsor - 1.50 race odds

• Largy Force - Windsor - 2.25 race odds

• Go Dante - Windsor - 3.35 race odds

• Westerninthepark - Windsor - 4.05 race odds

Windsor 12.40 - They Call Me Hugo

They Call Me Hugo ran a cracker at Cheltenham last time and was only just touched off in a Grade Two contest, which was gutting at the time, but it was a very good run, nonetheless. He’s got plenty of quality, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a proper battle-hardened type as the season goes on. He’s an exciting prospect and one I’m really looking forward to riding again.

Windsor 1.50 - Alnilam

Alnilam is a good horse without quite being top class and, if I’m honest, he might just have been found out once or twice now. That said, he’ll give you an honest run every time and won’t shirk the fight, but it does look like a competitive race, and it won’t be an easy one to win.

Windsor 2.25 - Largy Force

Largy Force arrives here off the back of her win at Uttoxeter, and she deserves plenty of credit for that. I actually felt the ground was a bit softer than ideal for her that day, and I’m not sure she enjoyed it fully, so she did well to battle on and get the job done. With the ground expected to be more like Good to Soft or Soft, that should be much more to her liking, and she comes here with another solid chance.

Windsor 3.35 - Go Dante

Go Dante was a winner for me at Sandown last time. He absolutely loves it there, particularly on soft ground. Whether things might happen a little bit quickly for him around Windsor is the question, but if the ground does ease, which it looks like it might, that will certainly help his cause. He’s probably at his very best at Sandown, but he’s still got a chance if things fall right.

Windsor 4.05 – Westerninthepark

Westerninthepark ran a very good race at Carlisle on his seasonal return and just blew up a little late on. He travelled strongly again at Aintree but arguably didn’t quite see out the trip on both occasions. Dropping back to 2m6f on a flat track should suit him much better, and I think you could see him in a better light here.

Congratulations to Harry Cobden

I just want to say a massive congratulations to Harry Cobden on his new job as JP McManus’ retained rider. It’s brilliant for him, especially as he has become the first English jockey to land the role — and it’s thoroughly deserved. I actually started out with Paul Nicholls around a similar time to Harry, and he’s always been a top-class professional and a brilliant jockey. He’s worked incredibly hard for this opportunity, and it’s great to see him get the recognition he deserves.

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