Daniel Bowman’s decision to downsize his training operation is already paying dividends. 
Bowman and his wife Denita placed their 11.7-hectare (29-acre) property at Wangoom, 11km inland from Warrnambool, on the market last month as they looked to cut back the number of horses in work at their stable. 
The property is now under offer, which has left the Group 1-winning trainer with mixed feelings.
“It’s a great property but due to tough economic times across the nation we decided to put it on the market,” he said. 
“It didn’t take long for someone to offer. I thought that might happen. 
“We used to have 26 horses in work but I want to scale back to 10. We’ve got 12 in work now. 
“I’m looking to have a small, boutique stable. We’ve got some nice young horses in work and I’d rather have a small number of horses with ability than a big team.”
As mentioned, the quality-not-quantity strategy appears to be paying off. From his last six runners Bowman has led in four winners. 
He’s Godspeed won at Terang on Saturday while Arcandum won at Murray Bridge. Bowman had a double at Horsham on Sunday with Dynamite Dancer and So Regal. 
(Bowman’s Group 1 winner was Begood Toya Mother in the 2019 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.)
Hot date
A change is as good as a holiday as far as Terang Racing Club is concerned, with officials delighted to switch its time-honoured New Year’s Day meeting to Friday January 2. 
The date change means the popular race day will be the only meeting in Victoria that day, receiving full TAB coverage and a form guide in Winning Post.
“We see the move as a positive change for the club and the meeting,” club manager Karen Van Kempen said. 
“There’s no other meeting in Victoria that day, which we’re hoping will be a bonus with extra exposure for us. 
“The meeting will have increased prizemoney and that should be great for owners and trainers. The feature race, the Peter Blank Sprint, will be worth $40,000 and other races will have a lift compared to when we were running on New Year’s Day.”
Seven races are set down for decision at the January 2 meeting.
Dec gets it done
Ex-Warrnambool trainer Declan Maher had his first Saturday metropolitan winner at Eagle Farm last weekend.
Sibaaq, backed from $17 to $9.50, won the $85,000 Sky Racing Open Handicap (1800m) for Maher, younger brother of champion trainer Ciaron.
Maher, raised 17km north of Warrnambool at Winslow, said the win was a huge thrill.
“It’s great to get the monkey off my back,” he said. 
“The stable’s having a great run. We’ve had three winners from our last six runners. 
“I’ve got to thank Sibaaq’s owners, Bennett Racing — they’ve been big supporters of mine since I made the move to the Gold Coast with my family to train in my own right. 
“We’ve got 14 horses in work and Ciaron will be sending up a few more as they prepare for the Magic Millions carnival so we’re going to be pretty busy.” 
Maher was based at Ballarat as assistant trainer to his brother for seven years before making the move in May.
Aaron lauds Tom
Aaron Purcell sang the praises of Warrnambool jockey Tom Madden after his win on Squander at Mount Gambier last Sunday.
Squander ($2.40 favourite) hung on to defeat Sanika and Cold Train in the Class 1 over 2050 metres.
Purcell said Madden’s positive ride was the difference between winning and losing.
“Tom’s a very underrated jockey,” the Warrnambool trainer said. “I don’t think he gets the opportunities he deserves. He’s a hard worker and always there to ride trackwork.”
Squander will be taken through her grades, according to Purcell.
“We don’t have any big aims for her,” he said. “She’s just an honest performer. She seems to like tracks with a bit of give in them and she got that at Mount Gambier on Sunday.”
From her 15 starts Squander has won two races.
Squander was one of three Warrnambool horses to win at the Mount Gambier meet.
Shane Jackson won with Mr Fisher, while Atomic Gold scored for Joanne Mugavin.