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Sydney’s champion jockey Hugh Bowman says he can’t wait to get back into the swing of local racing at Randwick on Saturday.

Bowman has six mounts on his first day of riding in Sydney since October 7.

He then transferred to Melbourne for the spring carnival before taking up a six weeks riding contract in Japan in November.

The Japan stint was followed by trip to Ireland with his Irish-born wife Christine and two children for a Christmas/New Year holiday with her family.

Despite his long absence from Sydney Bowman still sits in the top five on the metropolitan premiership on 24 wins and will now focus on pegging back the premiership leader James McDonald and retaining the title he won last season.

McDonald is setting the pace on 41 wins, with Jason Collett in second place on 30.5 wins ahead of Blake Shinn (30) and Sam Clipperton equal with Bowman on 24 wins.

Bowman said he is fresh and ready to perform at his best on Saturday.

“I can’t wait to get back into the routine,” Bowman said. “I’m feeling very fresh and ready to go.”

Bowman, a heavyweight rider, obviously enjoyed his summer holiday as he has not taken any rides below 57kg on Saturday.

Leading trainers have welcomed Bowman’s return with Chris Waller, Peter and Paul Snowden, Gai Waterhouse, Bjorn Baker, Tim Martin and Goulburn-based Danny Williams providing the jockey with his six rides.

Heading his book is the in-form mare Selita, who has won three of four starts since joining Bjorn Baker’s stable from Gerald Ryan, and the Chris Waller-trained import Another Cocktail, an impressive third when narrowly beaten at Randwick at his Australian debut on January 1.

His other rides are Moral Victory (Tim Martin), Tiger By The Tail (Danny Williams), Barood (Peter and Paul Snowden) and Liberty’s Choice (Gai Waterhouse).