Apocalyptic too good again in the 2025 Flight Stakes
Even with a résumé that includes top-line performers, Michael Freedman says nothing has excited him like Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic.
The brilliant filly completed a sweep of Sydney’s Princess Series crowns, adding the Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick to her earlier wins in the Furious (1200m) and Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), confirming herself as the clear division leader.
For the trainer of 2021 Golden Slipper hero Stay Inside, the post-race assessment was emphatic.
“I haven’t been,” Freedman said.
“I think it is quite rare to see horses that can come out in their first four starts – she was unlucky here first-up in December – and then go Group Two, Group Two, Group One. It’s pretty rare air.
“She is a special filly. I’m a bit lost for words.
“You spend a lot of time in this business trying to find horses like this and the world is her oyster.”
Drawn awkwardly, Tommy Berry rolled forward to sit outside the leader on Apocalyptic ($1.65 fav) and the pair controlled proceedings before surging clear to beat Within The Law ($6) by 1-1/4 lengths, with Karinska ($26) close up in third.
Freedman said that positioning was a deliberate in-run switch when the prospect of facing the breeze arose.
“We didn’t necessarily want to be up as close as we were but I could see when Tommy thought he was going to be three-wide without cover again, we had discussed trying to avoid doing that,” he said.
“Sitting up at the leader’s girth was Plan B but great turn of foot. Great filly.”
Next steps remain open, with a Melbourne tilt or a spell under consideration; if continuing, the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) or Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) are on the radar.
Jason Collett was upbeat about the runner-up’s rebound from a kinder alley.
“Far better today. She was able to use the better barrier. Good to see her back on track,” Collett said.
Thinking of a flutter on the Flight Stakes? Check the best betting sites, trusted betting apps and top Australian bookmakers first.
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Mile test for Harry’s Yacht in 2026 Vobis Gold Reef
Will Larkin is confident the timing is right to test Harry’s Yacht over the mile when the gelding contests Saturday’s Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington. The four-year-old has enjoyed a strong preparation to date, registering two wins at benchmark level and adding two placings in Vobis races over 1200 metres. Training in...