Returning to scale
Apollo’s Choice won at his only start as a two year old in a VOBIS Gold maiden at Benalla. Trainer Shea Eden spelled him and on Tuesday, nearly six months later, had him ready for his first start as a three year old. Shea had selected a VOBIS Gold 1200 metres at Kyneton.
This race looked a little tougher. Peter Moody had two runners. Previous winners Spirits Dance and Bedisguised who had won his debut race just three weeks earlier – by seven lengths and the form through Andrew Payne’s Newspaper looked strong.
With Chris Symons unavailable Shea was fortunate enough to snare pick up rider Brad Rawiller. Apollo’s Choice jumped well, but so did the rest of the field, and rather than being caught wide Brad brought Apollo’s Choice back in behind them. Taking the run along the rail Brad decided to follow the well fancied Newspaper into the race. It was a race winning decision. In the straight Newspaper had beaten off the rest, but Apollo’s Choice under hands and heels riding took the gap between Newspaper and the fence and was strong to the line. The colt won by a length and a half.
Michael Wood, Apollo’s Choice, Adam Zeliff
“Yes, I think he could be up to city class” said Brad after the race “and he will probably get further”.
“Great ride Brad” said Momentum syndicate member and part owner Michael Wood.
Apollo’s Choice was bred by Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm. He is a colt by Choisir from Apolina – a full sister to Prince Rubiton who coincidentally won his second race at Kyneton.
