Apache on Song for Caulfield return

Trainer Michael Trotter has been heartened with the knowledge leading jockey Blake Shinn will ride Apache Song in her return to racing at Caulfield.
Apache Song runs first-up in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) today with Shinn to continue his association with the mare.
Shinn leads the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership by seven over Craig Williams after a double at Sandown on Wednesday and there are only 17 races remaining for the season.
Apache Song is one of nine runners in today’s Group 3 contest and Shinn has the enviable record of riding the mare on four occasions, for three wins.
Shinn was aboard Apache Song when she won a Cranbourne jump-out on July 14.
“It’s great that Blake is riding her, as he had the pick of a few from what I can gather,” Trotter said.
“Her trials have been good. Her second one was excellent, and Blake’s post-trial comments were very pleasing and obviously he was happy enough with her to stick with her today.”
Apache Song has not raced since finishing last in a Listed race at Moonee Valley in February.
Prior to that, the mare ran a career high when third behind Schwartz in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in January.
“She’s a funny horse. She doesn’t give you any indication when she’s coming to the end, she just puts an ordinary run in,” Trotter said.
“Leading into it, everything was fine, but maybe the Australia Stakes was her peak when you go back through the preparation itself and there were some solid runs leading into that.
Trotter joked he wished today’s race was at The Valley as Apache Song’s only two Caulfield outings were disappointing.
But they were as a three-year-old and when racing over a slightly longer trip, while last campaign she was kept to sprinting.
“Hopefully now she’s in a good enough spot to handle anywhere,” Trotter said.
“They’re only three once so stepping out to that mile trip wasn’t suitable at that stage.
“She’s probably matured a bit more, which we all like to see, and strengthened up.
“Maturity wise she’s improved, both mentally and physically, so we’re pretty excited about that.”