The roller-coaster career of popular sprinter Apache Cat hit a new high while the flagging fortunes of Weekend Hussler continued in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.The baldy faced six-year-old on Saturday became the first horse to win the Group One sprint back-to-back since the great champion Manikato won the race five years in a row, and he did it in the most emphatic fashion imaginable.Ridden by Damien Oliver, Apache Cat ($7) dominated the race and opened up a range of international opti

The roller-coaster career of popular sprinter Apache Cat hit a new high while the flagging fortunes of Weekend Hussler continued in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The baldy faced six-year-old on Saturday became the first horse to win the Group One sprint back-to-back since the great champion Manikato won the race five years in a row, and he did it in the most emphatic fashion imaginable.

Ridden by Damien Oliver, Apache Cat ($7) dominated the race and opened up a range of international options when he speared away at the top of the straight to win as he liked by three lengths from Vormista ($19) with Time Thief ($5.50) a neck away third.

Weekend Hussler ($1.75 fav) tracked Apache Cat to the home turn but was left flat-footed as the winner hit top gear and trailed home four lengths behind in fifth place.

Trainer Ross McDonald rated the performance as Weekend Hussler's worst and planned to take him home for a thorough veterinary check.

"It's disappointing," McDonald said. "I haven't got any answers.

"It was his worst run, I reckon. The horse seemed good and if he's all right I will give him a run at a mile (1600m) in the Futurity and if he doesn't fire he will go to the paddock."

Weekend Hussler has been beaten at his last four starts and his losing run casts doubt on a planned international campaign in Dubai and Hong Kong in the coming months.

Last month jockey Brad Rawiller was criticised for jamming up Weekend Hussler when he finished fourth in the Lightning Stakes but on Saturday he gave him plenty of galloping room.

Meanwhile, connections will weigh up overseas options in Singapore and England for Apache Cat while he goes for short break.

Trainer Greg Eurell was thrilled with the chestnut and even more pleased for the horse after he was able to rebound from a last-start ninth to Scenic Blast in the Lightning Stakes.

"He has probably copped a bit of flak the last fortnight but there is only one way you silence the critics in this industry and that is win," Eurell said.

"To do what he did was unbelievable.

"In the run he always looked like he was in it and travelling well and when he straightened up it was just a sensational feeling."

Oliver said he feared he had hit the front too soon, mindful that Weekend Hussler was right on his tail.

"I knew I got there a bit soon and I knew the Hussler was tagging me," Oliver said.

"I was waiting for him to come but it didn't eventuate and my horse gave a really good kick on the turn."

Apache Cat was Australia's champion sprinter last season after winning five Group one races in a row and he now has a total of seven to his name, the same as Weekend Hussler.

His last win was the Group One win Doomben 10,000 at Doomben in May last year.

He has only raced five times since and was beaten a nose by Takeover Target in Perth and was third in the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December.

Eurell said he had not changed anything despite the fluctuating fortunes of Apache Cat.

"We have had a game plan and we have stuck with it," Eurell said.

He now only has to decide where that game plan will take Apache Cat.

"Winning like that gives us a lot to think about," Eurell said.

"A lot of things get thrown in the mix and we've got to work through it."