PRESS RELEASE: Silverdale Farm hoping for triple dead heat at Kensington
Silverdale hoping for a Triple Dead-Heat at Kensington
SYDNEY, Friday December 31, 2021
Silverdale, the newly established prestige Southern Highlands breeding operation of Steve and Eliza Grant, is hoping for a victorious start to 2022, with three, 2YOs fronting up for Race 1 at Kensington on Saturday (January 1, 2022).
The Silverdale team is quickly building a reputation for producing stock that performs as early 2YOs.
It’s also the home of Subterranean, who recently returned from his spell at Silverdale having undergone the ultimate gear change to produce an eye-catching barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Thursday (December 30, 2021).
On Saturday (January 1, 2022), the team has three born and bred Silverdale two year olds in play including:
Pantonario- already G3 placed in Gimcrack Stakes
Fireburn – already a pre-Christmas Sydney metropolitan winner
Vanderzan – impressive barrier trial winner
All were born and bred at Silverdale.
Home of Subterranean
Last year, the team also had Subterranean notch a city victory as a pre-Christmas 2YO, the horse going on to win the G3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic in May this year, beating subsequent Poseidon Stakes winner Ranch Hand.
“It is interesting to note that two of the four horses mentioned above were not accepted for any of the major yearling sales,” Silverdale owner Steve Grant explains.
“It’s not surprising as they had pretty modest pedigrees, even though we thought they were good enough on type,” Steve said.
“However, we were more than compensated when Vanderzan and Pantonario both sold well at their respective sales.”
Silverdale Stud Manager Rob Petith said Subterranean, in particular, attracted little initial interest.
“Subterranean was an interesting case as we were trying to place our less popular yearlings and he was certainly one of them,” Rob said.
“Steve was somewhat insistent that we needed to give the horse a try, so he sent him and a Maurice filly to his friend, (late trainer) Rick Worthington, to break in in the hope they could show something to assist in placing them.
“Rick was very impressed with both, but loved the colt. Once they spelled, they were both still available, with not many ‘lookers’.
“They were both sent back to Rick with the aim to get them to trial and hopefully get them to show something….anything,” said Rob.
“As they got closer to a trial, we very sadly lost Rick after his long battle with illness. Steve actually named the filly Miss Worthington, after Rick, as she ended up being the last horse Rick actually broke in.
“She is in work with Gai and Adrian and working well since returning from a good spell.”
In the case of Subterranean, it was trainer Matthew Dunn and his wife Keira who eventually took a chance on him, much to Steve’s delight.
“I sent an email to a very good mate to see if he could get a few clients to take a share in the Rebel Dance – Caves colt, but all he heard was crickets – nothing,” Steve said.
“We then sent an email to five other trainers. The only one who showed any interest was Matthew Dunn. Keira went to inspect the horse and they committed to take 50% for $14,000.
“We were very thankful as we needed horses on the track, not in the paddocks at Silverdale.”
Welfare first and foremost
Steve and Rob are both unequivocal about their approach – the ethos at Silverdale is: “Horses first – every time”.
“Every decision is made to favour the horse, not for financial gain. We’re very proud that we’re given full opportunity to prepare each horse for life – not just for a sale,” said Rob.
“Every horse that leaves Silverdale is sent off in the hope that they will become the favourite in their respective stables, the one that is easy to handle, a pleasure to work with and able to do their best in every circumstance.”
Recent visitors to Silverdale were astounded to find yearlings waiting patiently for the upcoming parades in the tie-up stalls.
“Most people are surprised, but you need them relaxed on race day, so why wouldn’t you teach them early,” Rob said.
“When they finish their work every morning of the prep, they have to exit the barn to their day yard by walking over the treadmill. It’s obviously not operating, but it teaches them to get used to small, tight spaces just like barriers.
“Everything at Silverdale has been carefully constructed with the horse’s current and future welfare in mind.”
Looking Ahead
Following Thursday’s trial, Subterranean will be looking to target a string of black-type races:
G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes
G2 Hobartville Stakes
G1 Randwick Guineas
G1 Rosehill Guineas
G1 ATC Australian Derby
Silverdale also has another three horses racing on Saturday with Rebel Shadow and Acrophobic at Kensington; and Witch Day at Gatton.
Magic Millions Draft
Lot 327 Chestnut filly – Justify (USA) – Now Now
Lot 341 Bay Filly – Deep Field – Ostentatious
Lot 496 Bay Filly – Snitzel – Sense of Hite (NZ)
Lot 590 Bay Filly – Snitzel – Sweet Sherry
Lot 668 Brown colt – Tornedo (IRE) – Vigilance
Lot 724 Bay colt – Deep Field – African Rainbow
Lot 843 Brown colt – Smart Missile – Caves (note that Smart Missile is now heading to the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in February)
ENDS
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Steve Grant or Rob Petith, please contact:
Holly Reynolds Left Field Communications 0409 462112 [email protected]
