Tulloch Lodge trio set for Silver Shadow Stakes challenge

A couple of impressive track gallops have led Adrian Bott to add Reachin' Out to the Tulloch Lodge string for the Silver Shadow Stakes. The filly joins highly regarded stablemates Agrarian Girl and By Choice in the opening race of the four-event Princess Series.

Bott mentioned that they had been considering a less demanding initial start for Reachin' Out following her recent trial runs, but her recent trackwork has swayed their decision.

"We originally had her pencilled in for some tougher tasks first-up, then we settled on some easier tasks after her trials," Bott revealed. "Then we saw the nominations and after her work on Saturday, we thought she deserved to kick off there."

Bott and co-trainer Gai Waterhouse will have three representatives in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m), a prestigious event the stable has won on three occasions over the past two decades, with Autumn Ballet being the most recent victor in 2023.

Agrarian Girl also commences her campaign in this feature race. Her two-year-old season included a successful debut and a second-place finish behind the talented filly Chayan in the Reisling Stakes (1200m). She was listed as an emergency for the Golden Slipper but did not make the final field and was then sent for a spell. Bott is confident she will perform well when fresh.

"Agrarian Girl, she's a natural speed filly," he stated. "She has trialled up well on two occasions. She had limited opportunities in her two-year-old campaign, but she was really good the times we saw her."

By Choice, a consistent performer with multiple stakes placings, is also set for her seasonal return at Randwick. She has been sidelined since finishing third behind Pembrey, who races on Saturday, in the Magic Night Stakes (1200m). Bott anticipates that she will perform better over longer distances and will reach her peak later in the Princess Series, in events like the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Flight Stakes (1600m).

"By Choice, she's the most seasoned of them all," he commented. "She will be better suited getting out to 1400 and 1600 metres this prep. She will stay in the Princess Series, but she may just find them a little sharp first time out."

All three fillies from Tulloch Lodge have drawn adjacent barriers: Reachin' Out, to be guided by Regan Bayliss, will start from gate six; Agrarian Girl (Tim Clark) from gate seven; and By Choice (Rachel King) from barrier eight.

Punters can explore the racing odds for this exciting event at online bookmakers.