Golden Pendant presents opportunity for Apocalyptic
Trainer Michael Freedman is optimistic that Apocalyptic can return to the winner's enclosure on Saturday, despite her last win occurring in last year's Group 1 Flight Stakes.
The four-year-old daughter of Extreme Choice is set to compete over 1400 metres for the first time this campaign in the Group 2 Golden Pendant at Rosehill.
This $300,000 race marks Apocalyptic's third outing this preparation, following a promising first-up third in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) and a subsequent fifth in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) on September 12.
In the Sheraco Stakes, Apocalyptic recorded her lowest finishing position to date, displaying a tendency to race ungenerously in the home straight, which hampered jockey Tommy Berry. Freedman believes that veterinary attention and the introduction of a tongue tie will aid her in reaching her potential.
"She just wanted to hang in the straight a bit, which cost Tommy being able to actually ride her out properly," Freedman explained regarding the Sheraco Stakes. "So, we've done a little bit of work with the physio and we'll probably try her in a slightly different bit. It was just a bit frustrating that she really only straightened up the last 50 or 100 metres and she really hit the line strongly."
"Hopefully, if we can prevent her doing that again on Saturday, we can see the real her. But she seems to be going as well as she was 12 months ago and I think the 1400 is probably a better tempo for her."
Apocalyptic is seeking her fourth career victory from ten starts. Her record includes a narrow second in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) and Group 2 wins in the Furious Stakes (1200m) and Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).
Freedman will use Apocalyptic's performance at Rosehill to help decide her future racing plans, with the mare boasting a large and enthusiastic ownership group via MyRacehorse.
"We're just keeping a pretty open mind at this stage," Freedman commented. "There are a lot of those nice mares' races around, you've got The Invitation later in the spring, but we're just taking it one run at a time at the moment."
Apocalyptic is set to start from barrier two in the nine-horse field, which includes the Group 1 winner Lazzura.
Don't miss out on the action and check the latest betting markets for the race at your preferred online bookmaker.
More Racing News
Zambardo's Cox Plate pathway continues through Feehan Stakes
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable is targeting two significant 2000m Group 1 races at Flemington with their horse Zambardo.The Cox Plate, which is being held at a different venue this year due to renovations at Moonee Valley, on October 24, and the Champions Stakes, held a fortnight...
Jimmysstar to race in blinkers for the first time in Manikato Stakes
Trainer Ciaron Maher has been waiting for the opportune moment to equip Jimmysstar with blinkers.That time has now arrived, with Jimmysstar set to debut blinkers in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Sunday.Jimmysstar trialled successfully in the headgear on September 14 and was seen wearing blinkers during...
Rosehill clash looms for O'Shea and Charlton imports
Starzintheireyes may have missed his opportunity to compete in The Metropolitan after being scratched from last week's Kingston Town Stakes, a turn of events trainer Tom Charlton believes could be fortuitous.The Randwick conditioner, who collaborates with John O'Shea, indicated that the gelding would have faced challenging conditions.O'Shea and Charlton have...
Skyhook focus shifts to Golden Eagle after Shannon Stakes
Gerald Ryan, the trainer, has confirmed that Skyhook will not be entered for the Epsom Handicap, regardless of his performance in the Group 2 $300,000 Shannon Stakes (1500m) scheduled for Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.The visually striking chestnut, Skyhook, who demonstrated a brilliant turn of form with a win in the...
Victoria Derby prize money now $3 million
A substantial $1 million boost to prize money for the feature race on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival has been announced by Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club.The esteemed Group 1 Victoria Derby, contested over 2500 metres at Flemington on October 31, will command a total...
Beiwacht set for Manikato Stakes bid
Chris Waller, a renowned trainer, is consistently adding Group 1 victories to his record.In the current 2026-27 season, he has already secured four top-flight wins from the six Group 1 races held.Waller has a strong contingent of five horses entered in the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday. His...
Caulfield track debate leads to new safety protocols
A new era of track inspection is set to commence, with retired champion jockey Damien Oliver partnering with track managers to preemptively address any potential issues, following the recent Caulfield track controversy.In collaboration with Racing Victoria, Oliver will, for the duration of the Spring Carnival, be tasked with inspecting tracks...
Import God's Window eyed for Epsom Handicap tilt
Early all-in betting has seen God's Window attract significant support for the Shannon Stakes this Saturday at Rosehill. However, trainer Chris Waller would be content to bypass this engagement for the imported galloper, not due to a lack of faith in his ability to contest the $300,000 Group 2 event,...
Guest House on target for Golden Rose glory
Despite a somewhat unconventional path, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are optimistic that Guest House is peaking at the right moment for the Golden Rose.Moments after jockey Zac Lloyd put the Golden Slipper victor through his paces at Rosehill's trackwork on Tuesday, the horse drew barrier five for Saturday's...
Oliveanotherday faces Caulfield test in Manikato Stakes
Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig is eager to return Oliveanotherday to Caulfield for this Sunday's Manikato Stakes. However, the trainer has expressed a slight reservation leading into the four-year-old's maiden Group 1 appearance.The gelding comes into the $2 million contest off the back of his poorest performance, a fifth in the...