Silent Achiever to spearhead trans-Tasman Gr.1 assault for James

19 September 2014

Source: NZ New Desk, 18th Sep 2014

Roger James will shoot for a trans-Tasman Group One double this weekend.

The Cambridge trainer will produce four-time Group One winner Silent Achiever (NZ) (O’Reilly) second-up into the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield and Zonza (NZ) (Zabeel) in the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings.

Beside that pair, James has Shees Flawless (NZ) (Fully Fledged) and Readywhenyouare (NZ) (Thewayyouare) tackling the Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), also at Hastings.

“It’s a premier weekend for us. This is what we strive for,” James said.

Silent Achiever is the $3.40 favourite for the Underwood and though James is wary the 1800m is still short of the Kevin Hickman-bred and raced O’Reilly mare’s best distance, he is expecting her to be competitive.

“I’m really happy with her and she goes into the race in good order,” James said.

Zabeel six-year-old mare Zonza resumes in the Windsor Park Plate, coming off a trial win over multiple Group One winner Sangster.

“Her trial was really good and her work since has been solid. From barrier one, I’d expect her to trail and we’ll see what she can do from there,” James said.

“If she can get a Group One placing, it will increase her value as a broodmare and if she can win it, she’s in elite company. No Group One race is easy but she’s in the fight.”

Zonza, who has been served by Waikato Stud stallion Pins, could earn a trip to Australia with a bold performance on Saturday.

Yaldi second Group winner in two weeks

A gallant Yaldi showcased the prowess of sire Ardrossan, securing the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas title at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Trained by Andrew Forsman, the three-year-old claimed the race outright after a protest and now eyes the $1.5M Karaka Millions 3YO and $3.5M The Kiwi.

26 December 2024

Trainers eye Kiwi with Super Seth’s son

Ballarat trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy have Centennial Park, their rising three-year-old by Waikato Stud’s Super Seth, on the radar for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi. Back-to-back wins, including today’s Caulfield Heath triumph over 1600 metres, highlight his potential, with connections eyeing prime distances and opportunities ahead.