The highly anticipated showdown between Cox Plate winner Via Sistina and rising contender Ceolwulf in the Group Two Apollo Stakes took an unexpected turn as seasoned competitor Fangirl claimed a decisive victory at Randwick.
While the leading contenders focused on each other in the home straight, Jason Collett guided Fangirl into open space, where she unleashed a powerful finishing burst to take the 1400m feature.
Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth praised Fangirl’s talent and consistency, noting that despite often being overlooked, she continues to perform at the highest level. Punters backed her into the $3.70 second favourite late in betting.
“Fangirl has been a champion for about three years. Because she just fluffs around doing her own thing early and flies home, people take her for granted to a degree, but she is awesome,” Duckworth said.
“Even in the call, they called Ceolwulf the youngest horse in the race and you do worry when horses get older, they might get a bit slower and the young ones can creep up on them.
“But gee, she was going to be hard to peg back today.”
Despite the upset, Via Sistina and Ceolwulf still impressed with their late surges, ensuring they remain top-class contenders.
Front-runner Lindermann ($17) held on for second, a length behind Fangirl ($3.70), while Via Sistina ($2.10 fav) secured third by a narrow margin over Ceolwulf ($4.80).
Via Sistina’s fresh win over 1400m in the Winx Stakes last spring had set high expectations, but Duckworth suggested that Fangirl is better suited to the shorter trip.
“Because she won so well first-up over 1400 last prep, I think we all just kidded ourselves into thinking she is capable of that. And yes, (with an) even run she might well have won again today,” he said.
“But her grand final is a 2000-metre race, whereas Fangirl… she is actually a miler.”
Jockey Jason Collett shared his race strategy, explaining how he capitalized on his position in the field.
“When I was able to get Via back underneath me on the fence, I had her locked away, and I had Ceolwulf behind me I thought, ‘well, I’ve just got to wait’,” Collett said.
“I probably have the best turn of foot over 1400 so I just tried to utilise that.”
The top four finishers from the Apollo Stakes are set for a rematch in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) in two weeks, though Waller may split Fangirl and Via Sistina afterward.
Potential targets for Fangirl include the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and All-Star Mile (1600m), while Via Sistina is expected to progress to the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) before aiming for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
