Desleigh Forster suggests it would be wise for punters to be totally forgiving of Apache Chase’s failure in the rich QTIS Jewel as he returns to his favourite track at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The Queensland Guineas Day 1 May Handicap has only attracted six acceptors, but it shapes as perhaps the most intriguing event on the card, as Apache Chase clashes with two of Queensland’s highest rated fillies in Gotta Kiss and Kisukano.
Throw in the in-form Tycoon Evie and the proven Saturday performers Mass Destruction and Queen Sweeper and it’s a race of very good depth.
Apache Chase was a Group 3 winner over the summer and then ran bravely for fourth in the Magic Millions Guineas.
He jumped out in grand style at Doomben, but after sharing the lead with Miami Fleiss, dropped out to finish 11th in the $500,000 QTIS Jewel three weeks ago.
“Even though (the track) was drying out, it was really gluey. Some horses don’t go through it and he was one of them,” Forster said.
“It probably would have been better being a wet track. It was hard for big horses to get through. We forget the race and move on.
“He’s done super since.
“He’s nice and bright, looks good. Jim (Byrne) was very kind to him in the race late, so it didn’t knock him around.”
Guaranteed a firmer surface at Eagle Farm, Forster says punters can expect to see Apache Chase back to top form on Saturday, even though there’s still room for further improvement as he heads to the May-June Stradbroke Season carnival.
“He’s raced these horses before and he’s been competitive against them. He has a big weight, he has 61, so really he’s going to be carrying 62 kilos,” she said.
“The good thing is he’s going to be back on a nice firm track, back to a venue he loves.
“There doesn’t look to be much speed in the race, so Jimmy can ride him where he’s happy and ride the race to suit himself. Go as quick as he wants or as slow as he wants.
“Whatever he does on Saturday he will improve on, but it looks a really nice race for him on paper.”
Forster said the Daybreak Lover (1400m) in a fortnight is likely next for Apache Chase, before she decides on a Queensland Guineas (May 1) start after that.
Stablemate Georgie’s Price is also likely to run on May 1 in a support race, although a program for her is yet to be set in stone.
