Forster stable with big plans for star sprinter Apache Chase

By Glenn Davis

Next month’s Magic Millions Cup will remain the focus for trainer Desleigh Forster after her star sprinter Apache Chase makes his Queensland return in The Gateway at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The winner of the $250,000 The Gateway over 1400 metres automatically qualifies for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap next June but Forster sees it more as a bonus.

Forster’s first priority is the $1 million Magic Millions Cup over 1400 metres at the Gold Coast on January 15 of next year. 

“His rating is probably high enough now for him to get into the Stradbroke so I’m concentrating more on the Magic Millions,” Forster said.

“At this stage he’ll head towards the Magic Millions Cup but I’ll see how he pulls up after The Gateway first.

“The Gateway looks a nice race for him and he’s well weighted.”

Apache Chase, who is owned by businessman Michael Sherrin, earned a trip to Sydney for the $7.5 million Golden Eagle on the back of two brilliant wins in the Listed Weetwood Handicap and an Eagle Farm Open victory.

The four-year-old ran into a slick field in the Golden Eagle finishing a brave fourth, beaten less than two lengths behind excitement machines I’m Thunderstruck and Count De Rupee.

The son of Better Than Ready collected almost $400,000 for his fourth placing taking his prize money tally to almost $1.25 million.

Apache Chase has been working strongly since returning from a short break but Forster is not getting ahead of herself with Stradbroke Handicap ambitions.

“He ran a very genuine race in Sydney and he’s very honest,” Forster said.

“It’s not an overly strong race in The Gateway but it wasn’t last year either and it looks a nice race for him.

“He loves Eagle Farm and the set weights really suits him."

Apache Chase looked to be in with a big show in the Gold Eagle before roughie Forbidden Love took over the front running role.

“Everything went to plan except when a 100-1 shot (Forbidden Love) went around him and he got to the front too soon,” Forster said.

“But, that’s racing.”

Apache Chase has a great record at Eagle Farm winning six times in 11 starts while he has an ever better record with five wins from six starts over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm.