Apache Cat Targets Redemption

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday November 10, 2008

Andrew Eddy

THE clash of sprinting heavyweights Takeover Target and Apache Cat might eventuate after all, with Apache Cat's trainer Greg Eurell considering sending his horse to Perth to race against the veteran sprinter this month.

Eurell reported yesterday nothing was amiss with Apache Cat, which spoiled his remarkable record with a shock unplaced run in Saturday's group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington.

But the trainer said he was reluctant to send the horse to Hong Kong next month without seeing him again perform under race conditions.

"You couldn't send the horse over there on the back of that run, although we've found nothing wrong with him," Eurell said. "You'd want to see him run well before and so we're seriously considering the Perth race."

Takeover Target missed the group 1 Classic because of a stone bruise, but Perth's racing fans look set for a treat in the $400,000 Winterbottom Stakes over 1200 metres at Ascot on November 29.

Apache Cat, which was last season Australia's champion sprinter and was runner-up to Weekend Hussler for the horse-of-the-year title, had won five group 1 sprints in succession at his previous campaign before Saturday's failure as the $2 favourite.

"I think it's either Perth or the paddock," Eurell said.

Apache Cat was the first horse beaten in Saturday's race when he was under pressure to hold his spot at the 600m. His eighth was his worst run since last in the 2006 Doncaster Handicap.

Jockey Corey Brown said Apache Cat was off the bridle and failed to respond to his riding. A post-race swab was taken from Apache Cat.

Takeover Target flies to Perth tomorrow ahead of the Winterbottom.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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