Hugh Bowman knows exactly how it feels to celebrate Group One Victoria Derby (2,500m) glory and the star Australian hopes Keeneland can give him a sense of déjà vu when he bids for a fourth win in the contest at Flemington on Saturday.

Alongside his victories with Lion Tamer in 2010 and Polanski in 2013, Bowman experienced Victoria Derby success for the same connections as Keeneland aboard Sangster in 2011.

Bowman held on narrowly aboard Sangster 13 years ago and believes the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Keeneland has the ability to provide a similarly exhilarating moment for connections this Saturday.

“A case of déjà vu would be amazing for the same connections,” Bowman said. “Trent is a good friend and I have a good connection with the owner Tommy [Heptinstall] as well, so it’s fantastic to be teaming up with them again.”

A two-time winner from five career starts, Keeneland recorded a powerful victory at Listed level over 1,800m at Flemington on October 5.

As Sangster did before his Victoria Derby win, Keeneland narrowly missed out last start in the Group Three Caulfield Classic (2,000m), with the son of Almanzor beaten less than a length in third.

Keeneland steps up to 2,500m for the first time and jumps from barrier 11 in the 18-runner field. He rates an $11 chance in overseas markets, while the Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello is a general $4 favourite.

“He’s right there with a live chance and I’m really happy to be riding him,” Bowman said of Keeneland. “He’ll be better for the distance and it’s a big field with a long tail to it.

“I think the favourite [El Castello] deserves to be up there, but he’s drawn the visitor’s draw [18] and he’s going to need something to go his way at some point.”

Bowman also partners Kimochi in the Group One Empire Rose Stakes over a mile.

A three-time placegetter at the top level, Kimochi will get another chance at an all-important Group One win after she finished fourth in the Group Three Silver Eagle (1,300m) at Randwick on October 19.

“She’s an outstanding mare and a model of consistency,” Bowman said. “She’s been beaten by short margins by some of the best mares in the country.

“There’s a lot to like about her. She’s got a good barrier, there isn’t a stand-out in the race and she’s certainly one of the leading chances.”

The Australian’s trio of Group One rides is completed by Bodyguard, who failed to fire on soft ground at Flemington last time out and bids to bounce back in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1,200m).

Bodyguard was an impressive winner of his first two starts but failed to build on that in his following three outings.

“He’s going to have to wind the clock back to find some of his better form and if he can do that, he’s certainly up to it,” Bowman said.

“He has an impeccable pedigree and he’s trained by a stable that can turn horses around. That’s going to need to happen but I go into the race with an open mind and I wouldn’t completely write him off.”

Bowman hops aboard seven gallopers at Flemington before returning for an eight-strong book at Sha Tin on Sunday, which includes Beauty Joy in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m).