Apache on Song for Australia Stakes assault

Trainer Michael Trotter achieved his biggest career victory when Rumbled Again secured a stakes race win at Caulfield late last year. Now, he’s aiming for even greater success as his in-form mare Apache Song lines up in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

This marks a significant rise in class for Apache Song, but Trotter is confident that the mare’s affinity for Moonee Valley will work to her advantage. Having raced at the track four times, Apache Song has won her last three starts there, all over the same 1200m trip, with each win coming in progressively tougher company, the latest in benchmark 78 grade.

Trotter is encouraged by Apache Song’s progression this campaign and believes she deserves her chance to test herself against quality opposition, including Southport Tycoon and Schwartz, in Friday night’s feature. The field has been further bolstered by the late inclusion of Another Prophet, It’sourtime, and Along The River. Damian Lane will take the ride on Apache Song.

“She had some pretty lofty goals early on, but this preparation, we’ve been able to bring her through the grades,” Trotter said. “She’s thrived as a result, and now feels like the right time to give her a shot in a good race. She loves The Valley, so why not?”

Apache Song showed promise early in her career, placing at Listed level in just her second start. However, she has continued to develop and strengthen with maturity, hitting a career-best patch of form this campaign.

“From the beginning, she showed us she had something special,” Trotter said. “Horses with talent have a way of standing out, and she’s one of them. She reminds me of Rumbled Again—she displayed the same ability when I broke her in. It’s rewarding to see Apache mature and perform so well on race day.”

While Trotter acknowledges the tough competition, he remains optimistic. “Southport Tycoon and Schwartz will be hard to beat, but if we can grab a Group 2 placing, that would be fantastic. I think we’re a genuine top-four chance, so anything is possible.”

Meanwhile, Rumbled Again has returned to training after her last-start victory in the Summoned Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on November 30. She is being prepared for a return in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22, with her ultimate autumn target being the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 22.