Arapaho may face a tough test in the Apollo Stakes against horses like Via Sistina and Ceolwulf, but trainer Bjorn Baker remains confident about the stayer’s long-term prospects.

After a difficult 18 months following his 2023 Tancred Stakes win, Arapaho made a strong comeback in the spring, culminating in a victory in the Sandown Classic.

The eight-year-old showed improvement in a recent trial behind Way To The Stars, a Lightning Stakes contender, and with a smooth spring campaign behind him, he’s now being readied for another Tancred Stakes attempt.

“He is trialling really well and finished last prep on a high,” Baker said.

“He’s in a better position than last spring, but he faces top competition. We know he’ll improve with more distance. If he comes through well, we’ll be happy.”

The target for Arapaho remains the Tancred Stakes, a race he won two years ago.

Meanwhile, stablemate Iowna Merc, who’s been in great form this summer, will take on tougher competition in the Expressway Stakes (1200m).

The five-year-old has been consistent, including a win in the Listed Canterbury Sprint and a close second in the Southern Cross Stakes.

“Iowna Merc is in career-best form and deserves this opportunity,” Baker said. “It’s a tough race, but if he gets some luck, who knows? You’ve got to be in it to win it.”