Contributer Bids For Apollo

Time/Date - 16.15hrs local time/Saturday, February 14, 2015 Racecourse/Country - Royal Randwick/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/7f

Contributer drops down to seven furlongs for the Group Two Optus Apollo Stakes at Royal Randwick, Australia, on Saturday, February 14.

The John O'Shea-trained five-year-old has raced over further on all bar his debut in July, 2012 and was eighth at a mile on his latest appearance in the Group One Emirates Stakes at Flemington on November 8.

He made a winning debut in Australia when running on strongly to score by a length in the 10-furlong Group Three David Jones Cup at Caulfield on October 18.

Contributer had nine appearances in the UK, where he won four times from an extended mile through to 10 furlongs including a half-length success in the Listed Wolferton Handicap over a mile and a quarter at Royal Ascot in June. James McDonald, who has ridden Contributer on both his Australia starts, takes the mount again.

John O'Shea commented: "Contributer has had a great preparation, with two very strong barrier trials.

"He has never been competitive at this distance before but if he does it will be tomorrow.

"As long as he can get away from the barriers and into a good position, he will show his turn of foot and be very competitive in the finish."

Contributer lines up against 13 rivals including dual Grade One scorer Lucia Valentina, recent Group Two winner Weary and Group One The Star Epsom victor He's Your Man.