In a performance that reshaped the betting landscape for Western Australia's premier staying race, the Victorian-trained Apulia delivered a commanding victory in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday. The win immediately catapulted the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding to the top of the market for the upcoming Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m).
A Commanding Display at Ascot
Under a perfectly timed ride from jockey Patrick Carbery, Apulia settled midfield in the early stages before unleashing a powerful finishing burst. He surged past his rivals in the straight to win by a decisive margin, leaving no doubt about his superior staying credentials on the day. The victory was a testament to both the horse's quality and the training prowess of the Maher stable, which had specifically targeted this Perth Summer Racing Carnival feature.
The win saw Apulia's price for the Perth Cup, to be run on New Year's Day, slashed from $5.50 into a clear $3.50 favourite with leading bookmakers. This dramatic shift in the market reflects the authoritative nature of his Ted Van Heemst triumph and the expectation that the extra 300 metres of the Cup journey will suit him perfectly.
Perth Cup Market Shake-Up
Apulia's ascension has caused a significant reshuffle in Perth Cup betting. Previous market leaders have seen their odds drift, as punters and analysts reassess the field based on this key lead-up result. The Ted Van Heemst Stakes has long been a reliable guide to the Perth Cup, and Apulia's dominant display has made him the one to beat.
Other notable performances in the race are also being factored into Cup calculations. The placings and closing sectionals of the beaten runners provide crucial form lines for the bigger race ahead. Connections of those horses will now be weighing up whether to press on to the Cup or reconsider their plans in the face of such a formidable new favourite.
What's Next for the Favourite?
The immediate focus for Team Maher will be ensuring Apulia recovers well from his Ascot exertions and maintains his peak condition for the January 1 feature. The Perth Cup (2400m) carries a prize purse of $1.5 million and is the highlight of the summer racing season in Western Australia. A victory would mark a significant interstate training success and add a major trophy to the impressive record of the horse, who has now proven his class across two states.
His performance has injected a fresh wave of excitement into the Perth racing scene, setting the stage for a thrilling and potentially historic edition of the time-honoured Cup. All eyes will now be on his final preparations as he aims to turn favouritism into victory on the first day of the new year.
