Picture: Bruno Cannatelli
Group 2 winner Apulia is being aimed on the $1 million Perth Cup (2400m) on New Yr’s Day, following his third putting at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained galloper was narrowly overwhelmed by Arran Bay and Unstated in final week’s Furphy Plate (1800m), the place he began a heat favorite.
It was simply the four-year-old’s second begin for the marketing campaign, following an encouraging first-up second to Regal Zeus at Moonee Valley.
JD Hayes mentioned Perth’s time-honoured occasion match completely in his marketing campaign.
“We predict it’s an attractive race for him,” Hayes advised TABradio.
“We’d like him to run yet another time earlier than we go.
“He’s one we actually need to take to Perth.”
Hayes indicated Apulia might additionally take his place within the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) on December 21, offered they had been capable of get a flight to Perth in time.
Apulia took out final 12 months’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m), earlier than he completed a recreation second to Riff Rocket within the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) every week later.
Hayes mentioned the son of Fiorente’s two begins this time in had given the steady loads of confidence to focus on the Perth Cup.
“Second-up after a very long time and it was a tougher run race than what we thought, due to the stablemate (Makram),” he mentioned.
“He’s pulled up properly.
“He’ll go to the Eclipse at Cauflield.”
The Eclipse Stakes might be run on November 30.
*Present prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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