Trainer Greg Eurell says Apache Cat is "cherry ripe" to win his second successive TJ Smith Stakes and regain the ascendancy over arch rival Takeover Target.The two champion sprinters each have a victory in their two previous showdowns and will take on just four other runners in Saturday's Group One rematch at Randwick.Last year Apache Cat beat third-placed Takeover Target in the TJ Smith (1200m) but Takeover Target turned the tables on the baldy-faced chestnut when he beat him in a photo-finish

Trainer Greg Eurell says Apache Cat is "cherry ripe" to win his second successive TJ Smith Stakes and regain the ascendancy over arch rival Takeover Target.

The two champion sprinters each have a victory in their two previous showdowns and will take on just four other runners in Saturday's Group One rematch at Randwick.

Last year Apache Cat beat third-placed Takeover Target in the TJ Smith (1200m) but Takeover Target turned the tables on the baldy-faced chestnut when he beat him in a photo-finish in the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth in November.

Eurell said Apache Cat had trained up as good as ever after winning the Australia Stakes for the second year in a row at Moonee Valley in February and he is looking forward to another close contest.

"It is hard to say he (Apache Cat) is better than last year but he's definitely equal to his best," Eurell said.

"His blood is absolutely spot-on and that's a big, big guide for us.

"We know when his levels are right and he is cherry ripe."

Apache Cat won five Group One races in a row last year and is following the same program this year.

He only finished ninth in the Lightning Stakes this time but Eurell hopes his rebound in the Australia Stakes will carry on for repeat wins in the TJ Smith, the BTC Sprint and Doomben 10,000 in the coming weeks.

Apache Cat will be on a float on Wednesday night and arrive in Sydney on Thursday morning.

"We have always gone with that game plan as it works for him," Eurell said.

Eurell said he wasn't taken in by trainer Joe Janiak who has played down Takeover Target's preparation after rain-affected training tracks hindered his lead-up.

Janiak has also added intrigue to the TJ Smith by replacing jockey Jay Ford, who has ridden Takeover Target in all but one of his 37 starts, with Nash Rawiller.

Last Saturday Takeover Target held Solo Flyer in an exhibition gallop between races at Randwick and Eurell was impressed with what he saw.

"Joe said Takeover Target was a couple of weeks behind, but he looked pretty good to me," Eurell said.

"He is a freak and you can never underestimate him."

Eurell said the small field was a concern but Damien Oliver was pleased with barrier three which would allow him to ride the six-year-old where he was comfortable.

"It will be tough enough no matter what," Eurell said.

"I hate small fields and you can make a case for all six runners on Saturday."

Eurell said Apache Cat could be back as far as fourth in running with Takeover Target, Bel Mer and Northern Meteor to ensure a high-speed contest.

"I figure if those horses roll forward it should give us a good suck into the race," Eurell said.