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This Saturday marks the 2nd leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, the Group 1 Timbercorp Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley racecourse, Melbourne.
The line-up is headlined by Apache Cat, winner of the first leg (the Lightning Stakes at Flemington) and one of four horse’s on Nick Smith’s Royal Ascot "wish list". He had a superb record first-up but was unsure over the distance of 5 furlongs. To 6 furlongs on Saturday should be able to stretch out under peak condition.
The competition he faces is weak – it explains the 6/4 price on offer as favourite, with one-time Queen Anne Stakes target Miss Finland next best at 6/1.
Lee Freedman has the most intriguing runner in the race with Sonic Quest, who won a Group 2 over a mile at the track, lowering the record on the way to his four length romp.
He really beat a poor field for a Group 1 but Apache Cat was a class above in winning the Australia Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths.
Some enthusiastic punter roared "best sprinter in the world!" behind me … ooh I could have grilled him for 5 minutes straight but he obviously had backed the horse for a motza so we’ll leave it at that.
He will now go for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 9. With the Sydney Autumn/Easter carnival delayed due to EI I think they will spell again if Royal Ascot is on the cards.
To be fair the british sprinters are not really the best in the world so a Group 2 or 3 rates Aussie horses could easily take our big sprints as most of our 3yo sprinters are horses who basically ones who dont stay 1m in the 2000 Guinneas.
A Golden Jubilee featuring Apache Cat versus Sakhee’s Secret would certainly be a race to savour.
3YO sprinters in the King’s Stand/Golden Jubilee are becoming a rarity. It’s unfortunate.How old is The Tatling now?
I’ll tell you something, Apache Cat will have a legion of supporters in the UK when they see him, he’s nothing short of a freak with his entirely white face, literally looks like someone painted him first then just threw the whole tray at him after.
Takeover Target will be back for more at Ascot, but there are rumours circulating that Miss Andretti will not be going across this year.
Even so, Apache Cat would be very difficult to beat.
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