Earthquake is on track to return to the races in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on August 23 after she won a barrier trial in impression fashion this morning.

Earthquake was the star filly of the 2014 Melbourne Festival Of Racing and 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. Photo by: Steve Hart

Earthquake has not been seen at the races since she finished second behind Mossfun in the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on April 5, but according to Godolphin has returned to the stable in excellent condition after a stint in the spelling paddock.

The Exceed And Excel filly competed in a private barrier trial with four other Godolphin-owned spring hopefuls and Godolphin racing manager Jason Walsh told Sky Racing HQ this morning that the talented filly had shown she was almost ready for her racing return in the Silver Shadow Stakes.

“She has had her second trail,” Walsh said.

“We had a private one out here at Agnes Banks, a five horse heat and we were very pleased with the way that she has come through it.

“We had a couple of other talented colts in it in Meursault and Kumaon who are both horses that we think have a big spring ahead of them and she sat in the one-one position and went on to win her trial nicely.

“Kerrin McEvoy was very pleased with her.

“At this stage we will head towards the Silver Shadow over 1200.

“That is where we plan on kicking her and Memorial off.

“Assuming she comes out of this morning fine that is where we will go.”

Godolphin are yet to decide on the ultimate 2014 Spring Racing Carnival target for Earthquake, but she was included in the nominations for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) and Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) that were released earlier in the week and is also a chance to remain in Sydney for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 4.

Last night Earthquake was named New South Wales two-year-old of the year for her accomplishments during her memorable juvenile campaign that included  wins in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m), Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) as well as a second place finish in the Golden Slipper.

Earthquake is currently on top of the 2014 Golden Rose Stakes betting market with Ladbrokes Australia at a quote of $6.50, but she is considered unlikely to contest the race.