Mic Mac will wear blinkers for the first time when he has a rematch with star stablemate Apache Cat in Saturday's Group One Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington.The pair fought out the finish of the Group Two Moir Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley when Apache Cat gained a rails run in the straight to beat Mic Mac by a short neck.At their only other meeting Mic Mac narrowly beat Apache Cat home in the Group One Manikato Stakes when they ran fifth and sixth respectively to Danleigh."
Mic Mac will wear blinkers for the first time when he has a rematch with star stablemate Apache Cat in Saturday's Group One Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington.
The pair fought out the finish of the Group Two Moir Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley when Apache Cat gained a rails run in the straight to beat Mic Mac by a short neck.
At their only other meeting Mic Mac narrowly beat Apache Cat home in the Group One Manikato Stakes when they ran fifth and sixth respectively to Danleigh.
"I thought we'd give him a little try in them in his work and he worked terrifically and he doesn't have to be a lot better, but if we can get a few extra inches out of him all the better," trainer Greg Eurell said of Mic Mac.
"Mic Mac did have to do a little bit of extra work out there (three wide) last start but the two horses were very, very close, even in their sectionals."
Eight-time Group One winner Apache Cat ran eighth as even-money favourite to Swick in last year's Patinack Farm Classic and also ran below par when ninth to Scenic Blast in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) in January this year, a race he won the previous year.
"It will be interesting, the only doubt in my mind is that unfortunately Apache Cat's last couple of runs down the straight at Flemington haven't been that flash, but I think it will be different this time," Eurell said.
"He's a very well horse and with a couple of runs under his belt at present he just seems to be in terrific shape.
"I won't be disappointed if they run the quinella again."
Danny Nikolic will again ride Mic Mac having been on the four-year-old at his past four starts which included a win over Whobegotyou in the Group Two Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The gelding's only run at Flemington was an impressive win in the Listed Aurie's Star Hcp (1200m) when resuming in August.
Apache Cat will again be ridden by Damien Oliver who has won five races on the seven-year-old.
Apache Cat drew barrier four in the quality field of nine while Mic Mac drew alongside him in three.
Meanwhile, Grahame Begg is comfortable with his decision to target the Patinack Farm Classic with reigning Emirates Stakes winner All Silent.
"I'm very pleased with him, he had a nice trial here (Flemington) a week ago, he's done well and barrier seven is a nice gate for him," Begg said.
The Randwick trainer said he decided to aim the Belong To Me six-year-old for the 1200m weight-for-age feature because of his winter preparation in Queensland which was thwarted by heavy tracks.
All Silent was a fast-finishing third to Apache Cat in the Doomben 10,000 (1350m) on a heavy track on May 23 but was scratched from the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
"He came back into work later than he would have and it was probably a mistake to go there," Begg said.
"The nice thing about it is that there is still something in the tank if we decide to take him to Perth or Hong Kong.
"He's been vaccinated and he's ready to go to Hong Kong but we just have to do the right thing by the horse."
The International Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on December 5 is the mission for All Silent if he does go and one of his rivals would be Apache Cat who ran third to Inspiration in the Hong Kong feature last year.
"And we have the Perth carnival as an option as well," Begg added.
The gelding came from well back to win the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) first-up at Flemington under 58kg on October 3 with Nick Hall, who will ride him on Saturday, in the saddle.
Apache Cat and All Silent are among six Group One winners in the event, the others being Danleigh, Turffontein, Nicconi and Bank Robber.