Trainer Bjorn Baker has revealed that Twilight Royale will need to perform impressively in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200) at Warwick Farm on Saturday if she is going to be any chance to contest the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens next month.
Twilight Royale will begin her 2013 Spring Racing Carnival campaign in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett
Baker told Radio Sports National that he was very pleased with Twilight Royale ahead of her return to the races, after impressing in two barrier trial appearances, and believes she is a good chance to record a first-up victory this weekend.
“We are really happy with her going into the race,” Baker said on RSN.
“She has raced well at Warwick Farm before and I guess she has the runs on the board.
“It doesn’t look like it is going to be a stellar field and she should be in with a good chance.”
Baker believes that Twilight Royale is up to Group 1 level, with the Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 5 set to be her major 2013 Spring Racing Carnival target, but he has not completely ruled out a tilt at the $1 million Golden Rose.
“She will continue in the Princess Series here, hopefully culminating in the Flight Stakes,” the rising trainer said.
“She is still in the Golden Rose but she would have to do something very good in her next two runs to consider that.”
Twilight Royale will face only eight horses in the Silver Shadow Stakes on Saturday with Gai Waterhouse-trained Sweet Idea and Darley-owned Montsegur likely to be his biggest rivals.
Montsegur resumed in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield last Saturday and finished an unlucky sixth after being blocked for a run in the straight while Sweet Idea will be making her first appearance at the races since finishing third behind Overreach in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).
The 2012 Silver Shadow Stakes was a key form race for the Spring Racing Carnival with winner Nechita going on to be beaten as favourite in the Golden Rose before winning the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day.
