The 2400m Listed Java Stakes on Allied Steelrode – Onamission Charity Mile day in a fortnight from now could be next on the agenda for the free-striding mare Apache Fighter, who showed that she is back to her best with a smart win in the R150 000 Allez France Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday.
Apache Fighter (Muzi Yeni) wins the Allez France Stakes at Turffontein (Pic – JC Photos)
Labelled as one of the better bets of the day, the daughter of The Apache was available at 28-10 and benefitted from a perfectly judged ride by national log-leader Muzi Yeni in the non black-type feature named in honour of the American-bred champion racehorse of the 1970’s.
A fairly one-paced mare with a big heart who easily stays the trip, Apache Fighter was allowed to lope along in second behind Opera Glass for the early stages.
When the astute Gavin Lerena eased slightly and started playing a tactical cat-and-mouse game on the leader, Yeni drifted Apache Fighter to the outside and she powered on relentlessly as she galloped all the way to the line.
Philasande Mxoli unleashed a powerful midfield challenge late on Quiet Rebellion (14-1), but a confident Yeni had a half length to spare where it counted.
The winner clocked 142,40 secs for the 2200m.
Opera Glass (25-2) did a lot of the donkey work, and stayed on well a further 0,30 lengths back in third.
Enjoy the replay here:
Bred by Stewart Robinson, who races her in partnership with his son Gavin, Apache Fighter is by the Mogok stallion The Apache, an international winner on three continents and Equus Champion of his year.
She is out of the four-time winning Spaceship mare Class Of Her Own, who has produced a winner up to 2400m.
Back in form this term with her three starts delivering two seconds prior to Saturday’s victory, Apache Fighter is now a winner of 4 races with 7 places from 16 starts, Apache Fighter took her stakes earnings to R393 075.
