Apache Cat WIns More Fans
Saturday, 16 February 2008:  | | Greg Eurell |
Former Sydney jockey Corey Brown maintained his unbeaten record on Apache Cat when he drove the baldy-faced chestnut to the line a clear cut winner, giving the sprinter his first success on the Moonee valley track.
Brown admitted to a few anxious moments in running but once he angled Apache Cat into the clear the heavily backed favourite responded in grand style to record a decisive win over Stanzout and Monet's Rule.
“There were a few moments at the 600m when he got strung up for a run but he sprinted when he got out and it was all over” said Brown, who has assumed the role of Apache Cat's rider from the ill Michael Rodd.
Brown was called on to ride Apache Cat in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on February 2 after Rodd fell ill and had some caring thoughts for his colleague after today's win.
“I was in the right place at the right time when Michel fell ill,” Brown said,
“It's really bad Luck for Michael and good luck for me. I'm just thrilled to be associated with the horse.”
Apache Cat rounded up the leaders at the 200m and went to the line full of running with Brown losing his whip on the post as he gave the air a victory pump with his right fist.
A double protest by fourth placegetter Sonic Quest against the second and third horses for shifting ground at the 250m was dismissed.
Trainer Greg Eurell will now aim Apache Cat at the $1 million Newmarket Handicap over the straight 1200m course at Flemington on March 8 before resolving further plans.
Royal Ascot officials are chasing Apache Cat for the King's Stand Stakes and Golden Jubilee Stakes in June but Eurell is yet to make a commitment to an overseas trip with a big range of options open to the five-year-old at the Sydney and Brisbane carnivals in April, May and June.
Apache Cat is now the undisputed leader of the pack among the current of sprinters in the absence of Horse of the Year Miss Andretti.
"He tries so hard, it not very often he lets people down,” Eurell said.
“He's a wonderful horse.”
Apache Cat's record now stands at 13 wins including three G1 victories and six placings from 27 starts with earnings climbing towards $2 million.
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