Bowman will ride the Bart Cummings-trained Roman Emperor in tomorrow’s Cup and in an exclusive interview with the Mudgee Guardian said he had dreamed of riding in a Melbourne Cup ever since I was a child.

“It was one of those dreams that you know might never become a reality, but in recent years it became a possibility,” Bowman said.

Bowman said often Melbourne Cup weights are too low for him and that has certainly has delayed his appearance in the Melbourne Cup.

“Opportunities are limited in a race like this and I have been fortunate this year that Bart Cummings has offered me the ride on Roman Emperor who is weighted at 54kg,” he said.

“I’m hoping for rain between now and Tuesday. Roman Emperor really needs the sting out of the ground.

“His sire is Montjeu and they are a strong staying breed but don’t like the ground to be hard.

“The track is being watered, but that is not the same as rain.

Bowman said he was hoping for good draw and get Roman Emperor settled early.

“I don’t think I’ll settle him as far forward as I did at Caulfield - I’ll do my best.”

“Win or lose, it’s great to have a ride in the Cup - that’s every jockey’s dream.”

While Bowman is hoping for rain for his mount he said he still thought Roman Emperor could win with luck and sees four main dangers.

“Viewed will be hard - his run in the Caulfield Cup was sensational after a super run behind Efficient in the Turnbull (Stakes).

“Efficient is also a strong chance and I am impressed with the way Alcopop has come into calculations.

“I have a very big opinion of Daffodil too and she has been trained for this race and I rode her to win the AJC Oaks, so I know how good she is but at 51.5kg I could not make her weight.

“With that light weight, she could well win the cup.”

Bowman, who has ridden as Royal Ascot and Japan recently, said he couldn’t see any of the overseas horses upstaging the top local hopes.

Bowman has been in top form over the Melbourne Spring carnival to date with five wins (including two doubles) from four meetings and is hoping to add to that record.

Bowman has only ever ridden on one Melbourne Cup Day - two years ago when he won a race for Danny O’Brien on Just Momente.