the Cat is Back on Sat

[my miss storm cat]

... and all was right with the world.

[my miss storm cat]

http://www.virtualformguide.com/cgi-...0129apache.txt

Apache Cat Testing Water in Crack Sprint
(no author listed)

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.

[my miss storm cat]

Lightning Stakes - Final Field and Barriers
6 COOLMORE LIGHTNING STAKES
Weight for Age No Claims. Group 1.
1000 Metres $502,500 4.10 PM

 1 Apache Cat (Greg Eurell) Corey Brown (2) 58.5
 2 Magnus (Peter G Moody) Luke Nolen (8) 58.5
 3 Swick (NZ) (Bart Cummings) Steven Arnold (3) 58.5
 4 Stanzout (Colin Davies) Greg Childs (10) 58.5
 5 Grand Duels (Byron Cozamanis) Steven King (5) 58.5
 6 Miss Finland (David Hayes) Craig Williams (6) 56.0
 7 Gold Edition (Ron Maund) Stathi Katsidis (7) 56.0
 8 Ticklish (NZ) (Steven Pinfold) Brad Rawiller (9) 56.0
 9 Eskaw (NZ) (Peter G Moody) Sebastian Murphy(a) (1) 56.0
10 Bel Mer (Mick Price) Craig Newitt (4) 53.0

No Here de Angels?

[my miss storm cat]

Two questions for my Magic man, ed or mooooodwalker.....

The new hormone rule that comes into play..... what do you think? Does it change much for Goldie or for our Miss F?

With Rodd still sick..... tell me about Brown. Has he had the mount on our pretty boy in races before (I know he took him out for a spin the other day but.....)

Thanks!

I guess he's 2nd or 3rd choice right now (cause of the post position?) but i think he can win.....

Be fine if he comes home behind the Divas though.

Godspeed, Apache Cat!

[magic_idol]

You would have to think Gold E will start & deserves to be favorite as she would be the second best sprinter in australia behind Miss A,For the life of me i cant see why miss finland is in at $5 & really dosnt deserve it
Cat would be the best 1400mtre horse in the country with out a doubt,but this race isnt over 14 its 1000 yes iwill still waste my money on him ;-) u have to hope , but for me Gold E to win this one
Corey Brown is fine he has ridden the cat before & while dosnt have the big name like darren beadman or D.O he is handy without being remarkable.



The new hormone rule that comes into play..... what do you think? Does it change much for Goldie or for our Miss F?

i dont think it will matter these horses just love to run & u dont need to give them hormones to make them ,its just meant to level the mares out if they are on heat ,works or not i dont know? .Ive seen mares win in heat & others that havnt but its a great excuse if u have a mare & it gets beat .

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by magic_idol

You would have to think Gold E will start & deserves to be favorite as she would be the second best sprinter in australia behind Miss A,For the life of me i cant see why miss finland is in at $5 & really dosnt deserve it
Cat would be the best 1400mtre horse in the country with out a doubt,but this race isnt over 14 its 1000 yes iwill still waste my money on him ;-) u have to hope , but for me Gold E to win this one
Corey Brown is fine he has ridden the cat before & while dosnt have the big name like darren beadman or D.O he is handy without being remarkable.



The new hormone rule that comes into play..... what do you think? Does it change much for Goldie or for our Miss F?

i dont think it will matter these horses just love to run & u dont need to give them hormones to make them ,its just meant to level the mares out if they are on heat ,works or not i dont know? .Ive seen mares win in heat & others that havnt but its a great excuse if u have a mare & it gets beat .

Okay thanks Magic man.

[my miss storm cat]

Apache Cat Wins!!!