Trainer Joe Janiak believes Takeover Target can defy his age against the younger sprinters in Saturday's Group Two Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in Perth.The nine-year-old hasn't raced since campaigning in England where he finished second to Equiano in the Group One King's Stand (1000m) and fourth to Kingsgate Native in the Group One Golden Jubilee (1200m) at Royal Ascot in June.But Janiak said Takeover Target was in top order for his showdown with Australia's reigning champion sprinter Apache Ca
Trainer Joe Janiak believes Takeover Target can defy his age against the younger sprinters in Saturday's Group Two Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in Perth.
The nine-year-old hasn't raced since campaigning in England where he finished second to Equiano in the Group One King's Stand (1000m) and fourth to Kingsgate Native in the Group One Golden Jubilee (1200m) at Royal Ascot in June.
But Janiak said Takeover Target was in top order for his showdown with Australia's reigning champion sprinter Apache Cat and Perth's best sprinters, including last-start record-breaker Danny Beau and Marasco.
"He has come back as good as ever," Janiak told radio station Sport 927.
Takeover Target won a jumpout at Flemington in the lead-up to Melbourne Cup week but missed running in the Group One Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) on the last day of the carnival after suffering a stone bruise in a track gallop.
"He has taken a bit longer to come up this preparation and the extra couple of weeks has probably been a godsend for him," Janiak said.
"I think he is pretty close to the mark."
Takeover Target delighted Janiak with a strong gallop with Apache Cat between races at Ascot two weeks ago.
Jay Ford has ridden Takeover Target in 34 of his 35 starts and will fly from Singapore to maintain the association on Saturday.
A winner of 17 races and placed 10 times, Takeover Target has earned nearly $5.2 million in stakes and is the $2.80 Winterbottom favourite with TAB Sportsbet.
He has raced at the top level in England and is a Group One winner in Japan and Singapore as well as Australia.
Apache Cat ($3) is three years younger and needs to win the Winterbottom to book his first international trip for the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on December 14.
He has raced 31 times for 16 wins, six placings and $3.35 million in stakes but is coming off a shock defeat when eighth to Swick when resuming in the Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on November 8.