Cahill had the chance of riding at Rosehill or Goulburn on Saturday, the popular bush jockey deciding to link with Cowra horse Bonsley in the TAB Highway Handicap (1100m) rather than ride in the South East Country Championships Qualifier.

“I like Bonsley. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I think he’s a horse who can get a couple of wins,” Cahill said of the five-year-old gelding.

Trained by Michael Lynch, Bonsley’s had two cracks at the Highway Handicap finishing ninth and fourth, and is first-up this campaign after a 17-week spell.

His last start was a victory in Canberra during October and that was with Cahill on-board.

“Hopefully he runs well. He should. He’s a nice horse he had a last start win and is first-up. He looks nice,” Cahill said.

It’s Cahill first city opportunity with Bonsley having linked with the gelding of six starts on three occasions registering a first, fifth and second.

The Highway Handicap is worth $80,000 with the winner collecting the majority share of $32,950.

It’s race one on the program set for a 12.45pm jump.

Following that, Cahill will head back inland for the Country Championships heat in Mudgee on Sunday.

Mudgee-based trainer Cameron Crockett has booked Cahill to ride Turcotte in the $150,000 race which provides the first and second placegetters with a spot into the $500,000 Country Championships Final on April 7.

Cahill has rode Turcotte to two of his three victories, a second, fourth and sixth in a career of 13 starts.

“He looks alright,” Cahill said.

“He’s run nicely his last two starts and hasn’t been far off. Cam put the blinkers on him to get a bit more out of him so hopefully the gear change improves him. 

“It looks a hard race but he’s a good chance.”

Turcotte, locally owned by Danny Gregory, will launch from barrier eight in the 14 horse race.

Cowra horses This Is Livin’ and Raise A Drop were nominated however missed the final field.

They’ll both be in action in races on the country showcase program.

The qualifier is set for a 4.40pm start on Sunday.