The Perth Cup may not have featured prominently on the radar of eastern states trainers in recent seasons, but Apulia is poised to change that narrative on Thursday.
The Lindsay Park-trained entire is the $1.90 market leader for the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) and arrives in Western Australia in peak form after rediscovering his best following an extended break from racing.
Jd Hayes has been delighted with how the son of 2013 Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente has progressed through the campaign, with William Pike set to take the reins.
“Can’t wait,” Hayes said.
“What a win last start and he has trained on nicely so bring on the Perth Cup.”
Apulia resumed with a victory at Moonee Valley over 1500m in October and continued that momentum with a win in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington during Cup week.
Although interstate runners have become less common in the Perth Cup, Hayes said the timing of the race suited Apulia’s preparation.
“The race has come along at the right time,” Hayes added.
“He showed that he was in very good form and it sits well to prepare him for the autumn. He spent long enough in the paddock.
“He has been airborne and it is a fun journey to have with him.”
The decision to travel west briefly faltered when Apulia finished back in the field in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, but he quickly bounced back to claim the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) on December 20.
His rating surged beyond 115, a level he had not reached since his runner-up finish in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) in 2023.
With a strong showing on Thursday, Apulia could later be aimed at features such as the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) in March.
The last interstate-trained horse to win the Perth Cup was Lords Ransom in 2010, while David Hayes finished second in 2009 with The Fuzz.
Updated Perth Cup odds are available through the Australian betting sites list.