He looks like Apache Cat. He was named after Apache Cat. And on Saturday he is a chance of becoming a Group One Guineas winner like the former star of the Australian turf.
Looks Like The Cat, whose distinctive white markings are reminiscent of the now-retired Apache Cat, is among the leading challengers in Saturday’s $1 million Caulfield Guineas to warm favourite Rich Enuff.
The Greg Eurell-trained Apache Cat claimed the first of his eight Group Ones when successful in the Australian Guineas in the autumn of 2006 before becoming a sprinting force.
Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan has aimed Looks Like The Cat at the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and after the gelding has finished second to Rich Enuff in his past two starts, Gollan is hoping it’s third time lucky on Saturday as he bids to turn the tables on the favourite.
“Realistically when we came down here this was the race we thought he could be competitive in, purely because of the distance,” Gollan said.
“It’s obviously a very, very hard race to win and will require our fair share of luck as you need in any Group One.
“But we feel we’ve done a good job with him and have got him in good condition and he’ll run his best this preparation on Saturday.”
He chased home Rich Enuff in the Group Two Danehill Stakes first-up before running home for second from midfield in the Guineas Prelude (1400m).
Rich Enuff exploded away at the top of the straight and Looks Like The Cat could only get to within 2-1/2 lengths on the line.
Gollan is hoping the rise in trip plays into the favour of his charge.
“I think it’s a different race, the mile,” he said.
“It’s a different field. So we need to get a clear run and probably be on our bike a little bit earlier (than in the Prelude).
“We’ll have to get around Caulfield a little bit better which I’m sure he will at his second go there.”
Looks Like The Cat’s only attempt at 1600m was a close third behind another Guineas rival Almalad in the Group One JJ Atkins during winter.