Apache Chase set for The Buffering

By Glenn Davis

Star sprinter Apache Chase will be given a final dress rehearsal in The Buffering at Doomben on New Year’s Day ahead of his Magic Millions grand final at the Gold Coast on January 15.

Trainer Desleigh Forster was delighted with the recovery from Apache Chase after his easy win in The Gateway at Eagle Farm last Saturday.

Apache Chase was never in doubt winning the 1400-metre feature by two-and-a-half lengths, which booked the four-year-old a free slot into next year’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm.

“He’s going super and was there no concern from me with him running the first time since his fourth in the Golden Eagle in Sydney,” Forster said.

“He’ll have another run in The Buffering over 1350 metres around Doomben then go two weeks into the Magic Millions Cup.”

Apache Chase is also eligible for the Magic Millions QTIS race over 1300 metres but Forster is hopeful Chapter And Verse can claim the race for a second time following his 2019 triumph.

“I don’t like running my horses against each other so Chapter And Verse will go to the QTIS race while Apache Chase will run in the Cup,” she said.

Forster said she never felt under pressure with Apache Chase since the gelding finished a brave fourth to excitement machines, I’m Thunderstruck and Count De Rupee in the Golden Eagle in Sydney.

“He’s a superstar and is getting a nice following,” Forster said immediately after the race.

“They think they can serve it up to him but Jimmy (Byrne) just lets them go.”

Apache Chase’s win took his record to eight wins from 18 starts and boosted his prize money tally to almost $1.4 million.

It also underscored his liking for Eagle Farm with seven wins, while his only defeat in seven starts over 1400 metres at racing headquarters in last year’s Stradbroke Handicap.

Forster was the star of the show at Eagle Farm following Exo Lady’s dominant win in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes over 1200 metres.

She has maintained a low profile with Exo Lady who maintained her unbeaten record in three starts.

“She’s a little gem,” Forster said.

“I’ve got a big opinion of her and I’ve always said she’ll be even better with a bunny to chase.

“She’s a serious filly and we rode he like she was the best filly in the race.”

Exo Lady’s win was a knockout blow for some of her rivals chasing valuable prize money to secure a start in next month’s $2 million Magic Millions Classic over 1200 metres.

Exo Lady was a $50,000 buy at the Magic Millions sales but was not paid up and is ineligible for the Magic Millions Classic.