Apache claims first scalp of autumn features
Story By Jason Hickson
Saturday, 2 February 2008: Honest sprinter Apache Cat claimed the first major of the autumn carnival and took some big scalps, winning today's Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) down the straight at Flemington.
The popular chestnut with unusual white markings settled well back early as the field track to the outside rail.
Drawing the wrong side of the track, Apache Cat was well away from the rail and off the hot pace set up by Ticklish and Gold Edition.
The short-priced favourite Gold Edition drew to the lead but was quickly under pressure as the challengers loomed up the center of the course.
Heading them was Apache Cat who went on for a fairly soft win for rider Corey Brown to score over Swick, who was even wider, up the center of the track.
Stanzout, whose rider Greg Childs was extremely unbalanced as the grey came out of the gates sideways, turned in a top effort to get home into third.
Gold Edition, although disappointing, did fight on well for fourth while Miss Finland, who was the first under pressure at the half-way mark, came again and worked home well for fifth.
But it was full honours to Apache Cat who enhanced an already superior fresh-up record and landed his second Group 1 success.
“It's incredible – a wonderful effort,” trainer Greg Eurell said.
“It was a tough assignment and I had my reservations about it. He has a great record fresh but not against the horses he was up against so full credit to him.
“He's proven what good horses can do.”
Eurell said Apache Cat would next run in the Group 1 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley in a fortnight before he decides what to do next.
Connections have a myriad of options with the Melbourne autumn carnival races, the Sydney feature races, a Queensland winter campaign and perhaps even an overseas trip on the agenda.
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Damn. Wish there weren't bad news with the good.....
Gold Edition retired
Story By Jason Hickson
Saturday, 2 February 2008: Tough mare Gold Edition has been retired after pulling up lame in today's Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington.
The grey mare, who started an odds-on favourite in today's feature sprint, drew to the lead but was immediately under pressure and finished fourth behind Apache Cat.
Following the race the mare was found to have pulled up lame in the off-side front leg and connections were quick to announce she would spend the rest of her days at stud.
Trainer Ron Maund described training the mare as a “wonderful ride” but there were lows as well as the highs and lots of pressure on the high profile and highly scrutinized galloper.
Owner Kevin O'Brien said he didn't want to take any chances with the mare who would immediately go to the paddock and to stud when she recovers.
The popular grey is only four years old but crammed a lifetime of racing into her three seasons on the track, winning 17 races from 36 starts.
Gold Edition was a two time Group 1 winner and the $22,500 she picked up from running fourth today edged her earnings over the $3 million mark.