Racing: More to achieve before late Derby payment made

Number 9 Silent Achiever. File photo / Dean Purcell

Punters who have plunged on Silent Achiever to win the Telecom Derby will have to wait at least a few more days before she is confirmed as a starter in the classic.

The sensational filly has been heavily backed into $3.50 equal favouritism for Ellerslie's greatest race on March 3 but trainer Roger James says the late payment fee to make her eligible for the classic remains unpaid.

Silent Achiever, who dive-bombed co-favourite Ocean Park at Te Rapa last start, will race next in the $85,000 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie on Saturday.

She will start a hot favourite in that 2100m group two event, but James will wait to see how she comes through that race before guaranteeing she will start in the Derby.

"Quite simply there is no point us paying the late fee for the Derby unless she races well this Saturday and comes through it just as well," said James.

"I have no reason to think she won't handle this Saturday well but we will look at it all more on Monday.

"But all going well she will be in the Derby and she is actually handling the preparation well."

With Rock N Pop and Ocean Park not among her rivals on Saturday, anything but a win would probably be considered unsatisfactory and would see a major change in the Derby market.

She does still, though, meet the brave gelding Shuka, who has drawn barrier one.

That could be a decent advantage as the rail was out 12m for the wet track meeting at Ellerslie last night but will revert to new ground at 8m out on Saturday.

The other highlight of Saturday's meeting sees Booming lumped with 59kg, 3.5kg above the next highest-weighted rival in the $85,000 Avondale Cup, which also features the highly regarded Matamata galloper Wisecrack, who is seeking a spot in the Auckland Cup on March 7.