Stayer Arapaho isn’t expected to trouble the likes of Via Sistina and Ceolwulf first-up in the Apollo Stakes but Bjorn Baker is upbeat about his longer-term campaign prospects.
After enduring a setback-riddled 18-months following his 2023 Tancred Stakes triumph, Arapaho bounced back to his best in the spring, rounding out his preparation with a Sandown Classic victory.
He looked to stretch out nicely in a recent trial placing behind Saturday’s Lightning Stakes contender Way To The Stars and with a four-run, trouble-free spring campaign now under his belt, the eight-year-old is being prepared for another Tancred Stakes tilt.
“He is trialling really well and he finished off last preparation nicely,” Baker said.
“He is much more forward than he was first-up in the spring, but in saying that he is up against some top horses and we know he’s going to get better over further. As long as he comes through it well we’ll be happy.
“Ideally we will head towards the Tancred Stakes, the race he won two years ago.”
While Arapaho is at the start of his preparation, stablemate Iowna Merc will have race fitness on his side when he faces his toughest challenge to date in the Expressway Stakes (1200m).
The five-year-old has been a model of consistency over the summer, winning the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1100m) three starts ago and just missing behind Willaidow at his most recent appearance in the Southern Cross Stakes (1200m).
He will clash with the likes of proven Group 1 performers Joliestar and Magic Time on Saturday but Baker believes he has earned his opportunity.
“He is in career-best form, it has been a marvellous preparation,” he said.
“He’s at a rating now where we have to have a look at these better races. We’re under no illusion it’s a tough ask going against some of these horses but he is well, he’s fit and if he can get a bit of luck in running, who knows? You’ve got to be in to win.”
