Pembrey poised for Silver Shadow impact
Trainer Tony Gollan is reinstating a winning combination at Randwick for Saturday's Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes, with James McDonald set to partner Pembrey once again.
The Brisbane-based trainer, a dominant premiership winner, is confident of a strong performance from the three-year-old filly as she commences her spring campaign, stepping straight up to the 1200-metre distance first-up.
"She's improved and we'd like to see her show her worth and pick up from where she left off," Gollan said.
McDonald previously rode Pembrey to victory in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in February. However, he opted for a different mount in the Golden Slipper, leading to Tim Clark partnering the filly through a difficult passage to finish near the back of the field in that Group 1 race.
"We got to give her a really nice break off the Slipper and we've had plenty of time to bring her up," Gollan explained.
"She has had jumped out and trialled well both times. She has been at Randwick for a week now."
Gollan lamented the filly's widest draw in the Golden Slipper and the interference she encountered during the event.
"She did a lot of work and worked the whole way," Gollan recalled.
"She got tightened up over the last furlong but it was also the end of a first racing prep."
The trainer already held a high regard for the filly prior to her maiden win, a belief that was validated during her initial race at Eagle Farm.
As a two-year-old, Pembrey recorded a Racing and Sports rating of 105 in her Magic Night Stakes win. Historical data indicates a general tendency for Silver Shadow winners to improve their previous peak ratings after turning a year older.
The winners from 2022, Zougotcha, elevated her rating by 15 points, while Autumn Ballet and Savvy Hallie, the victors in 2023 and 2025 respectively, maintained their marks of 106.
With the Silver Shadow Stakes on the horizon, punters are eyeing Pembrey's chances, with many looking to place bets on the online bookmakers.
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