Trainer Michael Freedman has long held Apocalyptic in the highest regard, and at Randwick she finally delivered on that early promise with a brilliant first-up win in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m). Once rated his leading Golden Slipper prospect, the filly stamped herself as a star in the making despite arriving at the Princess Series still a maiden.
Apocalyptic’s only prior appearance came in December when she was a luckless runner-up, a performance that immediately saw her figure in Golden Slipper odds. Unfortunately, a foot abscess kept her out of the Sydney autumn, and Freedman admitted he had some doubts about throwing her straight into the deep end against seasoned fillies. “I was hoping I didn’t end up with egg on my face running a maiden,” he said. “It’s been an unconventional path, but I’ve always had a lot of faith in her ability.”
The filly didn’t let him down, charging late to claim the Furious Stakes by a half-neck over Tupakara ($12), with Silver Shadow Stakes heroine Savvy Hallie ($2.90 fav) a close third. Starting at $5, Apocalyptic announced herself as a major contender for the remainder of the Princess Series.
Freedman is already looking ahead to the next legs, the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m), believing her relaxed style and rangy frame will be suited by longer distances. “She’s such a big, relaxed girl, she’s always given me and Tommy (Berry) the impression she’ll love stepping up in trip,” he said. “Today was a stepping stone, and hopefully she comes through in good order for the Tea Rose.”
Berry, who has been bullish about her talent, was delighted to see her deliver. “It’s hard to keep a lid on her,” he said. “Michael kept saying all week how risky it was running a maiden in this race, but this just proves what we’ve always believed. She was our Slipper filly but had setback after setback. Now she’s back and hasn’t missed a beat.”
The victory gave Freedman successive Furious Stakes wins, having prepared Manaal to win the race in 2024.