Solid final hit-out from Kiwi Cox Plate hope

21 October 2014

Roger James’ job is all but done with Silent Achiever ahead of the $A3 million Gr.1 Cox Plate.

The Cambridge trainer left Moonee Valley’s Breakfast with the Best session on Tuesday morning well-satisfied with his charge’s work and condition leading into Saturday’s feature.

“Her work was solid without being flashy and she pulled up nicely,” James said.

Silent Achiever was sent over 1600 metres alongside the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Gr.1 VRC Derby prospect Atmosphere.

“They worked over a mile and the pace was on all the way and they came in from the 1000 in 1.02,” James said.

“She won’t do any more fast work and all I have to do is to keep her happy until the race. She is a fit mare.”

While the opening part of Tuesday’s session went well at Moonee Valley, it didn’t finish off quite as hoped with Silent Achiever drawing gate 11 in the 14-horse Cox Plate field.

“That wasn’t ideal, but you just have to put up with it,” James said.

Silent Achiever will be reunited on Saturday with Nash Rawiller, who rode the Kevin Hickman-bred and owned O’Reilly mare to Group One autumn victories in the Ranvet Stakes and the BMW.

While James’ focus is on the Cox Plate, he hasn’t discounted a start in the $A6 million Gr.1 Melbourne Cup for the six-year-old.

“It’s not a certainty, but it is still in the back of my mind,” he said.

Silent Achiever’s galloping partner Atmosphere remains on track for the VRC Derby, despite an elevated temperature that forced him out of a planned start in the Gr.3 Caulfield Classic last Saturday.

Runner-up in the Listed UCI Stakes at Flemington at his most recent appearance, Atmosphere is likely step out at Moonee Valley on Friday night. – NZ Racing Desk.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

14 May 2026

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