Apache Cat on target for Takeover.
Apache Cat leaves Victoria on Wednesday bound for Sydney and a clash with star sprinter Takeover Target in the T J Smith Stakes at Randwick.
A three-time Group One winner, Apache Cat is the best performed older sprinter so far this season with wins at the highest level at his past two starts in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington and in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, both in February.
"He had two weeks off after the Australia Stakes and it has done him the world of good. He's feeling a million dollars at the moment," trainer Greg Eurell said.
The most recognisable horse in Australia courtesy of his striking white blaze, Apache Cat had his main lead-up gallop at Cranbourne Saturday morning.
Eurell said he was looking forward to Saturday's challenge of Apache Cat meeting eight-year-old Takeover Target, a five time Group One winner with a cult following.
"It doesn't matter whether it's wet or dry, he loves soft ground and he is so good fresh," Eurell said.
"I consider myself lucky to have a horse like him. He's a great horse to train, you can do anything with him.
"He hasn't had a trial, he doesn't need one."
Takeover Target, a winner in three countries including the 2006 Sprinters Stakes in Japan and the Group Two King's Stand Stakes in England, and another T J Smith runner Magnus, runner-up in both the 2008 Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Hcp, are being prepared for the $1 million Kris International Sprint (1200m) in Singapore on May 18.
But Eurell has ruled out Apache Cat making the trip.
"He won't be going to Singapore. We entered him to keep our options open, but he's a good chance to go to Japan later in the year for the Centaur Stakes and the Sprinters Stakes," Eurell said.
"But first he will run in the TJ Smith and then head to Brisbane for the BTC Cup and the Doomben 10,000."
Corey Brown, who replaced the ill Michael Rodd and is unbeaten on Apache Cat from two rides, in the Lightning and the Australia Stakes, has retained the mount.
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Cant wait :-)
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