Apache Chase on target for Golden Eagle

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Desleigh Forster is confident her star sprinter Apache Chase has gone to the next level ahead of the gelding’s planned trip for the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill later this month.

Apache Chase steps out for the second time this campaign in the Nudgee College Old Boy’s Cup, with Forster confident the four-year-old can live up to his impressive first-up win in the Weetwood Handicap last month.

In the past, the Weetwood Handicap can be graveyard for horses who have never raced on Toowoomba’s Clifford Park, but Apache Chase stamped his class by easily handling the uphill climb which has brought about the downfall of many horses.

In an ominous warning to his rivals, Forster has warned Apache Chase has improved since he registered his sixth win in 15 starts with his Weetwood triumph.

“He’s okay and he’s done well since the Weetwood,” Forster said.

“He’s gone to the next level and this race looks the same sort of race as the Weetwood.

“It’s very open with several genuine chances but my bloke is ticking over good.”

Forster is yet to finalise plans to transport Apache Chase to Sydney and will see how the son of Better Than Ready performs before making any firm decisions.

“I haven’t worked out how he’ll go down just yet and I’ll get tomorrow’s race out of the way first,” Forster said.

One thing she is certain of is Apache Chase won’t be transferred into another trainer’s name.

“That won’t be happening,” Forster insisted.

Apache Chase showed during the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival he was well above average, winning the Group 3 Fred Best Classic taking down one of the country's boom horses Ayrton in the process.

Forster has a tremendous record with her boutique stable out of Eagle Farm, and is uncertain of Apache Chase’s campaign past the Golden Eagle.

“He’s on target for the Golden Eagle and that’s all I’m looking at right now,” she said.

Apache Chase was a $50,000 buy at the Magic Millions sales at the Gold Coast in 2019 and has already returned his owner Michael Sherrin almost $800,000 in prize money.

The 4YOe is currently the $2.25 favourite in TAB fixed betting with topweight Emerald Kingdom at $4.40.

Emerald Kingdom is having his first start since winning over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm on July 31.

A winner of 11 of his 26 starts, Emerald Kingdom showed he was primed for his comeback by winning a barrier trial by eight lengths at Deagon on Tuesday.