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.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is difficult to maintain momentum when sitting in judgment of racing’s governance. After all, I get no pleasure in searching for non-credible decisions, but one is perpetually bewildered by the rationale behind many of the positions that make little sense.

26 August 2026

Shailer pair building nicely into spring campaigns

WS-breds Justin Case and Magice contributed to a memorable season for Kris Shailer in his return to the training ranks last term, and he is hoping they can continue their form into the new season.