A standout in the paddock, Apache Chase looked even better at the finish of Saturday’s $300,000 Group III Magic Millions Vo Rogue Plate (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
Given a gun ride by Taylor Marshall, the Desleigh Forster-trained son of Better Than Ready was never in danger, defeating the ever-consistent Not a Single Doubt filly Gotta Kiss by one and three-quarter lengths with the Epaulette gelding Oscar Zulu a further one and a quarter lengths back in third.
Purchased by his owner Michael Sherrin for $50,000 out of the Eureka Stud draft at the 2019 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, Apache Chase advances his record to three wins and a third from seven starts with earnings of $293,125 .
A half-brother to Churchill Downs (Danehill) who won the 2006 Group II MVRC Bill Stutt Stakes and runner-up to Mirror Mirror in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic, Apache Chase is the eleventh and final foal of the imported Diesis mare Siking Whisper (USA).
Foaled when his dam was 20, Apache Chase staked his claim for the $2 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas at the Gold Coast on January 15.
“We have been on the backburner because he did not have enough prizemoney to get into the Millions, so we have been chasing it,” Forster said.
"We did not really want to bring him here today. He has a high cruising speed and can quicken off that.
“Taylor knows him really well now. He is a serious horse.”
Apache Chase becomes the fifth stakes-winner for Lyndhurst Stud’s Better Than Ready. The son of More Than Ready is enjoying a golden run of late. His son Alpine Edge staking a claim for the Magic Millions 2yo Classic with an authoritative win in last weeks Group III BJ McLachlan Stakes.
