The Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained entire Apulia is on a quest for Group 1 glory in the Northerly Stakes where a win will enhance his profile as a stallion when he retires from racing.
“That’s the plan with him,” said Lindsay Park Racing’s spokesman, Ammad Saleem talking to Racing WA.
“Unfortunately, we just got beat in the Victoria Derby (which would have given him his Group 1). It was a little bit stiff, but life goes on. (Apulia was beaten by Riff Rocket in the Derby by the narrowest of margins).
Apulia was kept out of action through an injury setback for just under a year … from November 5, 2024 until resuming on October 24 this year … but he has come back with a vengeance claiming two successive wins in the Gold Star over 1496m at Moonee Valley and the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes over 1600m at Flemington.
“He came back really, really good,” said Saleem. “He is a happy horse. He is sound. He is clear-winded. We couldn’t be more happy with him.”
Apulia goes into the Northerly with four weeks between runs, but he did have a trail at Belmont on November 24.
“We just gave him a nice hit-out, just to keep him ticking along’ said Saleem. “He actually has come along really good after the trial. He tightened up really good after that.
“We can’t fault him. We are confident he’ll run a good race.”
Apulia will jump from barrier number fourteen on Saturday with Michael Dee, who partnered him to his last two wins, again in the saddle.
All being well after the Northerly Stakes, the Hayes team will also target the Perth Cup with Apulia moving forward.
