Target pips Cat in Winterbottom

Another chapter to the Takeover Target legend was written in Perth on Saturday when the veteran star defeated a valiant Apache Cat in the G2 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).

Billed as a match race between the two superstar sprinters, the Winterbottom did not disappoint as Takeover Target nosed out Apache Cat in a thrilling photo finish.

Star Western Australian galloper Marasco flew home late to finish about two lengths away in third ahead of fellow Sandgroper Danny Beau.

Beaten out of the gates by Danny Beau, Takeover Target, ridden by regular jockey Jay Ford, mustered enough speed to lead on the fence with Apache Cat settled in the box seat behind the nine-year-old.

It was clear shortly after straightening that Takeover Target had the measure of Danny Beau, while Apache Cat was locked away on the fence awaiting a run.

Once clear with about 130m to run, Apache Cat sprinted strongly but ran out of ground to overhaul Takeover Target, which has now won in four states in Australia.

The victory, the 18th in Takeover Target's career, also took his stakes earnings past the $5.4 million mark.

He will get another chance to add to that in December when he runs in the $125,000 G3 Scahill Stakes at Ascot over 1400m.