A proven winning combination is being reassembled at Randwick by trainer Tony Gollan for Saturday’s Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes, with James McDonald set to resume his partnership with Pembrey.
The Brisbane-based premier trainer expressed no hesitation about expecting a forward showing from the three-year-old filly as she embarks on her spring campaign, stepping directly 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 had previously partnered the filly to victory in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in February. However, he opted for another engagement in the Golden Slipper, leading to Tim Clark teaming up with Pembrey for a challenging passage that resulted in a near-last finish 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 explained.
“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 interference she endured 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 had already formed a high opinion of the filly before her debut win, a belief that was subsequently validated during her initial appearance at Eagle Farm.
Pembrey achieved a Racing and Sports rating of 105 in her Magic Night Stakes victory as a two-year-old. Recent performance trends suggest a general improvement in the Silver Shadow winning rating after horses turn a year older compared to their previous peak.
The 2022 winner, Zougotcha, saw an increase of 15 ratings points, while the 2023 and 2025 champions, Autumn Ballet and Savvy Hallie, maintained their marks of 106.
Pembrey is a strong contender in the Silver Shadow Stakes, and savvy punters are checking the Australian betting sites for the best value.
