Apache on Song for 2025 Bletchingly Stakes return

Apache Song is set to return to racing this Saturday in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, with top hoop Blake Shinn booked to ride. Trainer Michael Trotter was buoyed by Shinn’s decision to stick with the mare, especially with just 17 races left in the Melbourne season and Shinn leading the premiership by seven wins.

Shinn’s connection with Apache Song has proven fruitful—three wins from four rides—and he was aboard when she won a Cranbourne jumpout earlier this month. “It’s great that Blake is riding her,” Trotter said. “Her second trial was excellent and his feedback was very positive, which gave us confidence heading into Saturday.”

Apache Song’s last appearance was a disappointing run in a Listed race at Moonee Valley in February, but before that, she ran third in the Group 2 Australia Stakes, a performance Trotter regards as a peak in her previous campaign.

“She doesn’t always give away when she’s reached her limit—she just runs below par. That might’ve been the case last time in,” Trotter explained. “But this time she’s matured physically and mentally, and her prep has gone smoothly.”

Though Apache Song has yet to fire at Caulfield, Trotter isn’t worried. “She didn’t handle Caulfield as a younger horse, but we’ve kept her to sprint trips this prep and she’s developed well,” he said. “She looks stronger and has filled out nicely.”

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