Silver Shadow Form the Key to Bauhinia

Having finished second on debut before breaking her maiden at Newcastle at just her second start, the Lee and Cherie Curtis-trained Bauhinia (Hellbent-Like a Butterfly, by Blackfriars) was then thrown in the deep in at just her third start, lining up in the Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes. Taking on the likes of Gr1 Sires' Produce Stakes winner Manaal (Tassort), the Yarraman Park Stud consigned filly finished a game sixth, just over one and quarter lengths from the winner Ameena (Tassort). Given an easy trial in readiness for her campaign resumption this Wednesday in the Magic Millions Wyong 3 & 4YO Stakes, the Mystery Downs purchased filly will have the services of Tommy Berry who has ridden her in all three starts with the pair set to jump from barrier 3 in the ten-horse field. In what looks an open race on paper, Bauhinia is one of four horses under double figure odds, with the Peter Snowden stable set to saddle up the likely race favourite Zealously (Harry Angel-Duenna, by Sepoy). Sporting the Black Soil Bloodstock silks, the 3YO gelding has won his past two starts in fine style, and off the back of those wins has secured a slot for the inaugural running of the $3m Magic Millions Sunlight. Set to run in the slot of Archer Park Racing, connections will surely be hoping for a forward showing here before contesting the rich event on January 4 at the Gold Coast Turf Club.