The best backed runner in 2013 Caulfield Cup betting markets overnight was classy Kiwi mare Silent Achiever who has found plenty of support since the barrier draw was conducted earlier this week and is now into odds of $7.50.
Silent Achiever is chasing her second win in Australia in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Silent Achiever was brought to Australia during the 2012 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival after winning the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) by an impressive two and a half lengths but failed to live up to her potential; finishing third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and sixth in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m).
The daughter of O’Reilly returned to Australia for the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival and scored a narrow win in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) but trainer Roger James was critical of the mare; indicating that the four-year-old was an immature filly who was a poor worker.
Silent Achiever returned to Group 1 level with a fifth place finish in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) and Ranvet Stakes (2000m), finishing fourth and fifth and respectively, before producing arguably the best performance of his career when she finished second behind Fiveandahalfstar in the Group 1 The BMW (2400m).
Her strong performance in The BMW was a turning point for Silent Achiever and James has been delighted with the five-year-olds spring campaign that has seen her improve in each of her race stars.
The leading New Zealand trainer has been brimming in praise for Silent Achiever throughout the week and told Sky Racing HQ that he can see why his star galloper has been so well supported in 2013 Caulfield Cup betting.
“I tell it as it is and I have had to cop her immaturity her whole life,” James said.
“This season thankfully she has matured a little bit and I’ve had to change my training methods with her and her workload because she is thriving.
“It is all sort of falling into place and it makes it easier.
“There are two significant factors.
“She is back to handicap company and up to a mile and a half; they are two factors that will play into her hands.”
The majority of support for Silent Achiever in Caulfield Cup betting came after she drew barrier five on Wednesday and James is confident that the versatile mare can take advantage of the excellent draw.
“To a degree she can,” James said when asked if Silent Achiever can make the most of her barrier draw.
“She has been getting back because of wide draws and obviously the shorter the race the quicker the tempo normally.
“She doesn’t have to get back at all; I know she did in The BMW but she drew an outside barrier that day as well.
“She can be midfield or ahead of midfield I believe.”
Silent Achiever will be the first New Zealand-trained horse to win the Caulfield Cup since Ethereal in 2001 if she is victorious this afternoon.
