Fangirl upstages star pair in G2 Apollo Stakes

The Group Two Apollo Stakes was billed as a battle between Cox Plate winner Via Sistina and emerging star Ceolwulf, but it was the experienced Fangirl who stole the show with a dominant performance at Randwick.

As the favored pair kept close tabs on each other, Jason Collett seized the opportunity aboard Fangirl, unleashing a devastating late sprint to secure victory in the 1400m contest.

Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth hailed Fangirl’s class, pointing out that her understated racing style often causes her to be underestimated. Late money saw her firm into a $3.70 second pick.

“Fangirl has been a champion for about three years. Because she just fluffs around doing her own thing early and flies home, people take her for granted to a degree, but she is awesome,” Duckworth said.

“Even in the call, they called Ceolwulf the youngest horse in the race and you do worry when horses get older, they might get a bit slower and the young ones can creep up on them.

“But gee, she was going to be hard to peg back today.”

Despite falling short, Via Sistina and Ceolwulf both turned in strong performances, suggesting they will be major players going forward.

Lindermann ($17) showed resilience to hold second, finishing a length behind Fangirl ($3.70), while Via Sistina ($2.10 fav) edged Ceolwulf ($4.80) for third place.

Via Sistina had previously won the Winx Stakes first-up over the same trip, but Duckworth indicated that the shorter distance better suits Fangirl’s strengths.

“Because she won so well first-up over 1400 last prep, I think we all just kidded ourselves into thinking she is capable of that. And yes, (with an) even run she might well have won again today,” he said.

“But her grand final is a 2000-metre race, whereas Fangirl… she is actually a miler.”

Jockey Jason Collett detailed his thought process during the race, explaining how he tactically positioned Fangirl for victory.

“When I was able to get Via back underneath me on the fence, I had her locked away, and I had Ceolwulf behind me I thought, ‘well, I’ve just got to wait’,” Collett said.

“I probably have the best turn of foot over 1400 so I just tried to utilise that.”

The Apollo Stakes top four finishers will likely clash again in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) in two weeks, with Waller likely to send Fangirl and Via Sistina on different paths afterward.

Fangirl has options in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and the All-Star Mile (1600m), while Via Sistina is set to target the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) before a tilt at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).