Melbourne Cup hopeful Silent Achiever had her first hit-out in company this preparation when working on the course proper at Cambridge with stablemate Zonza on Wednesday morning, pleasing trainer Roger James.
“We had the use of the course proper this morning and there hasn’t been a horse on it for three and a half months," James said.
"I was really happy with both of them, more so because of the way they pulled up afterwards. I think Silent Achiever is right where we want her."
After a fruitful autumn campaign which netted three Group One victories, Silent Achiever enjoyed a six week spell.
"She’s had a long build-up, she started work at the beginning of June.
"The Melbourne Cup is the goal this year. I’ve always been confident that she would get the two miles. She was able to run out a mile and a-half in the Derby as a very frail, weak three-year-old on a wet track."
Silent Achiever will resume in the Gr.1 New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30 before tackling the Gr.1 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes (1800m) at the same venue on September 20.
"I'll make a decision once I see the weights as to whether we go to the Caulfield Cup or a Cox Plate on the way to the Melbourne Cup."
James is yet to speak with jockey Nash Rawiller, who is currently enjoying a stint in Japan and has recently committed to a four month stint in Hong Kong starting in September.
"I’ve yet to speak with Nash personally, but he phoned when I was on a plane yesterday and spoke with my foreman. He’s still very keen to stay with her."
- NZ Racing Desk
