Connections for Pembrey are weighing up two major options for the filly: a potential clean sweep of the coveted Princess Series or a shot at the prestigious The Everest.
This decision follows Pembrey’s utterly dominant display of sustained speed in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, where she left her rivals in her wake.
Pembrey was simply too fast and too good, winning by more than two lengths with ease, yet still stopping the clock at a rapid 1m 08.74s on the soft 5 track conditions.
Trainer Tony Gollan articulated his initial intention to target the Princess Series, culminating in the Group 1 $750,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.
However, the sheer brilliance of Pembrey’s winning return has unexpectedly propelled her into discussions for the Group 1 $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at the same track, two weeks after the Flight Stakes.
“I haven’t really thought about The Everest to be honest,” Gollan stated. “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 ($4.40) shot to the lead and set a blistering pace, ultimately winning by two-and-a-half lengths from the charging Bangkok Hottie ($6), with Global Goal ($14) finishing a further length behind in third. Those comparing the best betting sites with bonuses saw Pembrey deliver a commanding performance at a healthy price.
Jockey James McDonald’s post-race comment, possibly made in jest, also brought The Everest into the mix.
“Give her a slot (in The Everest),” McDonald said. “She was exceptional.
“She showed great sustained speed, and to be able to quicken off that, that’s impressive.”‘”
McDonald observed that Pembrey’s ability to gain the lead without facing pressure significantly contributed to her win and the fast time recorded.
“This race is always the same,” he said. “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.”‘”
Should Gollan opt to stick with Plan A, the four-race Princess Series comprises the Silver Shadow Stakes, followed by the Furious Stakes (1200m), Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), and the Flight Stakes (1600m).
Only two fillies in history have conquered all four legs of the series: Samantha Miss in 2008 and Angst in 1993.
Pembrey demonstrated considerable promise last season, including her victory in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes, before finishing outside the placings in the Golden Slipper behind Guest House. She now appears poised to reach a new level 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 stated.
“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 presents a compelling target for Pembrey, but the allure of The Everest is undeniable. Consider the betting markets for the race at racing betting markets.
