Princess Series or The Everest awaits Pembrey after dominant win

Connections for the filly Pembrey are weighing up two significant paths: a potential clean sweep of the esteemed Princess Series or a tilt at the prestigious The Everest.

These options are being carefully considered following Pembrey's commanding performance in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, where she left her rivals trailing.

Pembrey's sustained speed proved too much for the opposition, winning by over two lengths without being fully extended, and still recording a swift 1m 08.74s on the soft 5 track.

Trainer Tony Gollan outlined his initial intention to target the Princess Series, which concludes with the Group 1 $750,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.

However, the sheer brilliance displayed by Pembrey in her return to racing has elevated her into discussions for the Group 1 $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at the same venue, scheduled for two weeks after the Flight Stakes.

"I haven't really thought about The Everest to be honest,'' Gollan confided. "But I would think about anything with her.

"I will let the dust settle on this and my plan has been the Princess Series as I have been keen to get her to 1400m.

"But anything is an option although would I want a three-year-old filly to take on the good horse from Hong Kong (Ka Ying Rising), probably not.

"But the (owners) Kia Ora team will have their opinion and we will look at all the facts and figures. I do know she is very talented."'"

Pembrey, priced at $4.40, shot to the lead and dictated terms, finishing two-and-a-half lengths ahead of the closing Bangkok Hottie ($6), with Global Goal ($14) securing third place just over a length further back. Punters looking at racing betting markets saw Pembrey deliver a strong result at a good price.

Jockey James McDonald's post-race comment, perhaps made in jest, also brought The Everest into consideration.

"Give her a slot (in The Everest),'' McDonald urged. "She was exceptional.

"She showed great sustained speed, and to be able to quicken off that, that's impressive."'"

McDonald noted that Pembrey's ability to establish a comfortable lead without pressure was a significant factor in her victory and the fast time recorded.

"This race is always the same,'' he explained. "They all get their position, they're all looking after them for the next one and we always go slower in these sort of lead up type of races."

"For her to be in a good spot and be able to quicken off it, it's pretty impressive. Hats off to Tony, it was a good effort."'"

If Gollan sticks to his original strategy, the Princess Series consists of the Silver Shadow Stakes, followed by the Furious Stakes (1200m), Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), and the Flight Stakes (1600m).

Only two fillies, Samantha Miss in 2008 and Angst in 1993, have managed to win all four races in the series.

Pembrey had shown considerable promise last season, including a win in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes, though she faltered in the Golden Slipper behind Guest House. She appears poised for a significant step up this season.

"She has given us a really good feel at home but as all of us trainers know when they show that good two-year-old form they come back at three with all these expectations, you want to see them do it on raceday,'' Gollan remarked.

"It was great to have James (McDonald, jockey) booked on her two or three weeks ago which was a big help to me and she has had a faultless preparation.

"I think when we get her out to 1400m she will be just as effective.

"I want to follow the Princess Series as long as her form holds up and she keeps on improving on what we have seen today."'"

The Princess Series offers a clear pathway, but the significant prize money of The Everest is also a tempting prospect. Check out the latest betting markets for the race at betting sites.