Trainer Tony Gollan is reuniting a winning combination at Randwick for the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes this Saturday, with James McDonald scheduled to ride Pembrey.
The dominant Brisbane trainer has no hesitation in expecting a strong showing from the three-year-old filly as she begins her spring campaign, moving 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 was aboard the filly when she won the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in February. However, he chose a different mount for the Golden Slipper, resulting in Tim Clark partnering Pembrey for a difficult run that saw her finish near the back in the Group 1 feature.
“We got to give her a really nice break off the Slipper and we’ve had plenty of time to bring her up,” Gollan stated.
“She has had jumped out and trialled well both times. She has been at Randwick for a week now.”
Gollan lamented Pembrey’s widest barrier draw in the Golden Slipper and the subsequent interference she experienced during the race.
“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 opinion of the filly before her debut victory, a view that was confirmed during her initial race at Eagle Farm.
Pembrey achieved a Racing and Sports rating of 105 in her two-year-old Magic Night Stakes win. Current trends indicate a general improvement in the Silver Shadow winning rating for horses after they turn a year older.
The 2022 winner, Zougotcha, improved by 15 ratings points, while the 2023 and 2025 victors, Autumn Ballet and Savvy Hallie, maintained their marks of 106.
The Silver Shadow Stakes is shaping up to be a competitive affair, and the betting markets for the race are expected to be active.