Can’t wait: Bring on the 2026 Perth Cup for Apulia

Interstate representation in the Perth Cup has thinned in recent seasons, but Apulia is carrying big expectations into Thursday’s 2026 edition.

The five-year-old entire has been installed as the $1.90 favourite for the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) and is delivering on promise once again after nearly a year away from racing.

Trainer Jd Hayes has been thrilled with the gelding’s progress, particularly with William Pike booked to ride.

“Can’t wait,” Hayes said.

“What a win last start and he has trained on nicely so bring on the Perth Cup.”

Apulia kicked off his preparation with a win over 1500m at Moonee Valley in October before taking the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.

While the Perth Cup’s calendar slot can limit interstate participation, Hayes said the race fitted perfectly into Apulia’s campaign.

“The race has come along at the right time,” Hayes added.

“He showed that he was in very good form and it sits well to prepare him for the autumn. He spent long enough in the paddock.

“He has been airborne and it is a fun journey to have with him.”

The Western Australian leg of the campaign briefly stumbled when Apulia finished too far back in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, but he returned to his best with a dominant win in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) on December 20.

That victory produced a Racing and Sports rating above 115, his highest since finishing second in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) in 2023.

Looking ahead, the Lindsay Park team could consider races such as the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) if Apulia performs to expectations.

The most recent interstate-trained Perth Cup winner was Peter Morgan’s Lords Ransom in 2010, while David Hayes went close in 2009 with The Fuzz.

Perth Cup betting markets can be viewed via the Australian betting sites list.