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.
Recent News

17 September 2025
The Corner with Garry Chittick
Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different.
Read More
14 September 2025
Smart Love too smart this start
Smart Love (Savabeel ex Relentless Desire) made a winning return at Te Rapa on 14 September, storming home by 3.3 lengths. Racing in Garry Chittick’s colours, the four-year-old mare impressed for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott after two solid trials.
Read More