Racing: Eurell keen on duo in Manikato

MELBOURNE - Victorian trainer Greg Eurell believes there is nothing between established star Apache Cat and his younger and less-experienced stablemate Mic Mac going into Friday night's Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

While Apache Cat has been there, done that with eight group one victories to his credit, Mic Mac is striving for his first win at the highest level in the 1200m weight-for-age feature and Eurell is confident he can measure up.

"Mic Mac is certainly a rock-hard fit horse and he's in great form," Eurell said.

"I just hope Apache doesn't throw in one of those bad ones first-up that he has done in recent preparations.

"But we've made sure that he's pretty much up to the mark and in all honesty if he is then they are very hard to split."

Eurell said his recent runs when resuming had been in contrast to his earlier first-up form.

"He used to be quite dynamic first-up, but he's getting a little bit older and taking a while to get into the groove of things so we've focused on that."

- AAP