Apache Cat Carves Up Track and Field
April 27th 2008 05:43
Apache Cat has earned himself the title of the People’s Horse in recent times, and on Saturday in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes over 1200m at Randwick, he proved why.
The most recognizable horse in Australia was one of a small field of eight, but included real quality opponents like international super star Takeover Target, John O’shea’s Reigning To Win, and the always-consistent Magnus.
Apache Cat went out the short-priced favourite but in fields like this, there’s never such thing as a sure thing – especially with the track being rated Heavy, and coming up against horses who have proven themselves on the track in similar conditions.
Takeover Target jumped brilliantly and led, before Magnus quickly pushed up on the inside. These two led to the turn, with Apache Cat and Reigning to Win close up behind, and near enough if good enough.
As they rounded the right-hand turn, Takeover took over and kicked away by a couple of lengths. Apache Cat quickly passed Magnus with Reigning To Win in hot pursuit.
At the top of the straight, Takeover Target looked in control and Apache Cat appeared to be struggling in the heavy ground. In fact, all four front-runners, for a few seconds, seemed to labour in the mud and not really make any ground on each other. But once Corey Brown got Apache Cat balanced, he kicked into full throttle and bounded up and away to win by 2-3/4 lengths from Reigning To Win who just nosed Takeover on the line. Magnus finished fourth.
The baldy-faced chestnut had just given trainer Greg Eurell a third Group One victory in a row. And more Group success looms as the five-year-old will now head to Brisbane to run in the BTC Cup in a fortnight and the Doomben 10,000 a fortnight after that.
Can’t wait.
In my humble opinion, Apache Cat and Weekend Hussler, are the most exciting draw cards in racing. We’ve seen what they can produce at their best, and it’s always nail-baiting during the run waiting, hoping that they can do it again. Bring on Brisbane for Apache cat. Bring on Melbourne’s spring for Weekend Hussler.
Can’t wait.
The most recognizable horse in Australia was one of a small field of eight, but included real quality opponents like international super star Takeover Target, John O’shea’s Reigning To Win, and the always-consistent Magnus.
Apache Cat went out the short-priced favourite but in fields like this, there’s never such thing as a sure thing – especially with the track being rated Heavy, and coming up against horses who have proven themselves on the track in similar conditions.
Takeover Target jumped brilliantly and led, before Magnus quickly pushed up on the inside. These two led to the turn, with Apache Cat and Reigning to Win close up behind, and near enough if good enough.
As they rounded the right-hand turn, Takeover took over and kicked away by a couple of lengths. Apache Cat quickly passed Magnus with Reigning To Win in hot pursuit.
At the top of the straight, Takeover Target looked in control and Apache Cat appeared to be struggling in the heavy ground. In fact, all four front-runners, for a few seconds, seemed to labour in the mud and not really make any ground on each other. But once Corey Brown got Apache Cat balanced, he kicked into full throttle and bounded up and away to win by 2-3/4 lengths from Reigning To Win who just nosed Takeover on the line. Magnus finished fourth.
The baldy-faced chestnut had just given trainer Greg Eurell a third Group One victory in a row. And more Group success looms as the five-year-old will now head to Brisbane to run in the BTC Cup in a fortnight and the Doomben 10,000 a fortnight after that.
In my humble opinion, Apache Cat and Weekend Hussler, are the most exciting draw cards in racing. We’ve seen what they can produce at their best, and it’s always nail-baiting during the run waiting, hoping that they can do it again. Bring on Brisbane for Apache cat. Bring on Melbourne’s spring for Weekend Hussler.
Can’t wait.
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