NEWS
Apache Cat closes with a rush to win Australia Stakes
Posted: Saturday, February 16, 2008 1:52 PM
by Mike Curry
Apache Cat seized command in the closing strides and surged clear to a 1 1/4-length victory in the $367,943 William Reed Australia Stakes (Aus-G1) on Saturday at Moonee Valley.
The Southern Hemisphere five-year-old Lion Cavern gelding entered off a victory in the Coolmore Lightning Stakes (Aus-G1) on February 2 at Flemington, and multiple Group 1 winner Apache Cat reaffirmed his status as one of Australia’s top sprinters in the Australia Stakes.
Dance Hero set the pace with Monet Rules settling in second and Apache Cat stalking the pace while saving ground from the inside. Apache Cat was boxed in behind foes on the turn before jockey Corey Brown guided him wide leaving the turn.
Apache Cat accelerated gamely when clear on the outside and closed with a determined charge from the center of the course to win comfortably in 1:09.64 on turf rated as good.
"He tries so hard," winning trainer Greg Eurell told AustralianRacing.com. "It is not very often that he lets people down. He is a wonderful horse, and this is a big thrill. Each campaign he has got a bit better. He is the ultimate professional and just does his job."
Stanzout edged Monet Rules by a head for second.
Five-time Group 1 winner and reigning Australian Horse of the Year Miss Finland raced at the back of the nine-horse field early and never fired while finishing eighth in her bid for a repeat victory in the Australia Stakes.
Bred in Australia by P. F. Radford and Ms. R. Lawrie, Apache Cat is out of the Whiskey Road mare Tennessee Blaze.
Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
