Midwest out for revenge in the Apache Cat Classic

The Anthony and Sam Freedman stable is expecting Midwest to bounce back from a minor setback when he runs at Cranbourne.

Midwest will contest the Apache Cat Classic (1000m) on Saturday, a race he finished third in last year behind Jigsaw.

This time around, Midwest has a 7kg swing in the weights for that 3-¼ length defeat, and while entering Saturday’s race fresh, he does have residual fitness on his side.

Last year, Midwest was first-up off a spell, but this time around the sprinter had two runs in September before a minor setback.

Midwest chased home Asfoora first-up at Caulfield on September 2 in the Group 3 The Heath 1100m before finishing fifth to Viviane, again over 1100m, at Caulfield on September 23.

Brad Taylor, the racing manager for the Freedman father-and-son training team, explained Midwest required some paddock time after his last start.

“He just had a bit of a setback that required a week to 10 days in the paddock,” Taylor said.

“But he’s come back and trialled well last week at Balnarring.

“He ran in this race, this time, last year and ran third and he probably ran below par, but he ran into Jigsaw who went on the frank the form going forward.

“He’s in good form leading into this race.

“We’re very happy with him, so we’re expecting him to run well.

“Last year he was first-up, but this year he’s got that residual fitness he had before the little break.”

A son of Zoustar, Midwest has been a consistent money spinner for connections winning seven of his 19 starts while placing on a further nine occasions and collecting almost $700,000 in prize money, including bonuses.

Midwest has been an easing $4 favourite with online bookmakers since fields were declared on Wednesday while there has been support for Generation ($5.50), Rich Fortune ($6) and Twin Perfection ($14) in early betting.