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Apache Cat Testing Water in Crack Sprint
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Trainer Greg Eurell is cautiously optimistic Apache Cat will measure up against a field of crack sprinters in Saturday's Group One Lightning Stakes at Flemington.
The baldy-faced chestnut adds an element of mystery to the weight-for-age feature as he hasn't raced over the 1000m distance since winning his race debut as a two-year-old in March 2005.
"We have started to tread into unknown waters with him over 1000 metres and against some of the best sprinters in the land," Eurell said.
"It is not going to be an easy battle, especially with the mare (Gold Edition) there, but it is something we thought we would try based on the fact his last couple of preparations he has been good early."
Jockey Corey Brown tested Apache Cat as his Lightning Stakes mount at Tuesday's Cranbourne barrier trials and was pleased with his half length second to stakes winning mare Coniston Gem.
Eurell, however, admitted he would have liked to see the gelding show a bit more sparkle in the 800m hitout which was relatively slow at 46.40s compared to some of the other trials.
"I thought he might have gone a little bit sharper but Corey was very happy with him and said he gave him a good feel," Eurell said.
"Having said that the horse wasn't asked to do much and he pulled up fantastic.
"We tried to leave a little bit in the tank and didn't trial him in his blinkers."
Apache Cat is one of 11 entries for the Lightning which in recent years has become the launching pad for Australian gallopers heading for international glory.
Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006) and Miss Andretti (2007) all followed up their Flemington victory with success in England.
Outstanding mares Gold Edition and Miss Finland head the Lightning nominations.
Magnus, who was placed in England last year, and Ticklish return after finishing second and third respectively to Miss Andretti in last year's Lightning.
Group Two Salinger Stakes winner Swick will be attempting to give trainer Bart Cummings a record ninth Lightning Stakes victory while the Lee Freedman-trained Here De Angels, who resumed with a last start win in the Rubiton Stakes, is also entered.
Apache Cat hasn't raced since the spring after having an adverse reaction to an equine influenza vaccination following his second to Marasco in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 8.
At his other two spring starts he beat Haradasun in the Bletchingly Stakes (1100m) then defeated Marasco in the Liston Stakes (1400m), both at Caulfield in August.
"He wasn't overtaxed with three runs in the spring and this time in we are really expecting him to have a good campaign," Eurell said.
He said that after the Lightning, Apache Cat would target the Group One Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on February 16.
"Whatever he does on Saturday will bounce him into that," Eurell said.
The final Lightning field and barriers will be declared on Wednesday.