Smart New Zealand mare Silent Achiever’s chances to win her first race in Sydney have increased with the scratchings of Laser Hawk and Tougher Than Ever in the Group 1 $350,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm today.

Silent Achiever (outside) is primed to win her first race in Sydney. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

With the scratching of Laser Hawk, Gai Waterhouse will have to rely on Glencadam Gold while Chris Waller’s representation has been reduced to five runners with the scratching of three year old Tougher Than Ever.

Top Kiwi trainer Roger James is anxious for Sydneysiders to see the real Silent Achiever after the New Zealand Derby winner failed to produce her best form at last year’s Autumn Carnival.

Silent Achiever was sent out favourite when third to Laser Hawk in the Group 1 $500,000 Flinders Lane Rosehill Guineas (2000m) at Rosehill on March 31 and then could only manage a sixth to Ethiopia in the Group 1 $1.5m David Jones Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 14.

“She was at the end of her preparation last time she was in Sydney and clearly the Rosehill Guineas bottomed her,” James said.

“She has had a preparation targeted at Sydney this campaign.”

“I’m happy with her, she wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”

James gave Silent Achiever one run at Ellersllie before heading to Sydney and was more then happy with her effort when second with 61kg over 1400m.

“I thought it was an excellent run, she had 61kg and 1400m has never been her friend,” James said.

“It was a better run than her first-up run in the Spring but she’s meeting a lot better field, I know that.”

Silent Achiever is on the third line of betting at $5 behind last year’s winner Shoot Out at $4.20 and the Peter Moody trained Manighar at $4.80.

Chris Waller’s old warhorse Danleigh is at $10 just in front of Kiwi multiple Group 1 winner King Mufhasa at $11.