Group 2 winner Apulia is being aimed at the $1 million Perth Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day, following his third placing at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained galloper was narrowly beaten by Arran Bay and Unspoken in last week’s Furphy Plate (1800m), where he started a warm favourite.
It was just the four-year-old’s second start for the campaign, following an encouraging first-up second to Regal Zeus at Moonee Valley.
JD Hayes said Perth’s time-honoured event fit perfectly in his campaign.
“We think it’s a beautiful race for him,” Hayes told TABradio.
“We need him to run one more time before we go.
“He’s one we really want to take to Perth.”
Hayes indicated Apulia could also take his place in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) on December 21, provided they were able to get a flight to Perth in time.
Apulia took out last year’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m), before he finished a game second to Riff Rocket in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) a week later.
Hayes said the son of Fiorente’s two starts this time in had given the stable plenty of confidence to target the Perth Cup.
“Second-up after a long time and it was a harder run race than what we thought, thanks to the stablemate (Makram),” he said.
“He’s pulled up well.
“He will go to the Eclipse at Cauflield.”
The Eclipse Stakes will be run on November 30.