One-season shuttler Sioux Nation (USA) is mounting a strong case for a return to Australia.
The sire of the Listed VRC Poseidon Stakes winner Archo Nacho has a highly promising 3-year-old filly in Apache Song who broke her maiden with a minimum of fuss over 1217m at Moe on Thursday.
Ridden by Craig Williams for Michael Trotter, Apache Song overcame a sluggish start to power to a six-and-a-half-length victory over the Winning Rupert mare Everett, with the Toronado mare Dame Cheval a long-neck back in third.
Apache Song displayed ability from day one when a narrow second after a troubled run over 1200m at Pakenham on March 23. She showed she was up to stakes-class with a fast-finishing second to I Am Unstoppable in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes at Sandown before going to the line untested in the $1million VOBIS Sires’ Showdown at Sandown on April 15.
“It’s nice to get that one of the way,” Michael Trotter said.
“We came here anticipating we would get a result, and it planned out well.
“I have some lovely owners, Dave Baker, Trish Patterson, and Phil Arrowsmith, who bred her and fortunately gave her to me to train.
“She is one of those horses that has always been very smart and does everything right. She is still developing and has a long way to go. She is still coming in the coat, so there is plenty of upside.
“I have had plenty of discussions with Craig about where we are. Today was a stepping stone heading towards what we think she is capable of.
“With the 1000 Guineas where it is this time of year, that looks a good prospect for us as long as she keeps stepping up.
“I think she can stretch out. She is a lovely filly with a great turn of foot. She is very relaxed and professional, so hopefully, she can get to that stage.”
A homebred for David Baker’s Kilmore Thoroughbred Services, Apache Song is the first live foal of the accomplished Gonski mare For A Song, which won races at Caulfield, Pakenham, Moe and Seymour and placed a further eight times in a 23-start career. Not bad for a filly that was a $1,500 purchase from the 2014 Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale.
For A Song has a 2-year-old colt by I Am Immortal. She was not covered in 2021 and missed last spring.
