Apocalyptic has turned potential into performance, producing a stunning victory in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Trainer Michael Freedman once rated the filly his leading Golden Slipper chance, and her effort on Saturday confirmed she is a genuine star in the making.
Her only start as a juvenile ended in a desperately unlucky second in December, which saw her thrust into early Golden Slipper markets. A foot abscess ruined her autumn campaign, leaving Freedman to wait until the Princess Series to showcase her talent. “It’s been unconventional,” he admitted. “She went into this still a maiden, but I’ve always felt she was top-class. Maybe missing the Slipper has actually given her time to mature.”
Sent out a $5 chance, Apocalyptic surged late under Tommy Berry to nab Tupakara ($12) by a half-neck, with Silver Shadow Stakes winner Savvy Hallie ($2.90 fav) another long neck back in third. It was the sort of performance that suggested she has plenty more to offer over longer journeys.
Freedman confirmed the next stops would likely be the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and then the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m). “She’s a big, relaxed filly who looks built to stretch out,” he said. “Today was about getting her back to the races, but we’re confident the further she goes, the better she’ll be.”
Berry, who has been a strong supporter of the filly from the outset, echoed the trainer’s confidence. “We’ve always thought she was our Slipper filly,” he said. “She’s had a stop-start career, but now she’s come back stronger. The way she won today shows how much ability she has.”
The result also saw Freedman secure back-to-back Furious Stakes triumphs, following Manaal’s success in the race 12 months ago.