Adam Hyeronimus and the Waterhouse & Bott training duo have combined to take out the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes with Autumn Ballet ($17) in the penultimate event at Randwick on Saturday.
The now three-year-old filly took out the Group 3 Black Opal on debut to put the writing on the wall, and seems to have returned in terrific order, storming down the center of the course to secure victory in the first leg of the Princess Series.
Estriella ($3.50) took luck out of the equation under Jamie Kah heading forward to sit outside the leader and just got wayward out in front, while the eventual winner stalked her every step of the way for Hyeronimus.
The Gary Portelli-trained Kimochi ($7) closed nicely and looks set for a good preparation, while market favourite Kristilli was pulled up rather early in the straight by James McDonald.
2023 Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes – Autumn Ballet
Adrian Bott was on course to break down the win on behalf of the stable and was impressed with the upward trajectory of his filly.
“I think when she got to that Percy Sykes she may have just sort of come to the end of the preparation,” said Bott.
“She made quite a statement on debut, not easy to win a Black Opal and she showed a lot of natural ability on that day and she's obviously come back in good shape.
“I think she's got the scope to keep improving particularly as we get over a little bit further. That was the only concern coming here today.
“I thought maybe this preparation she was looking for that 1400m, 1600m.
“She's certainly right on track to go through the series and I think she's just going to get better as we go through the campaign.”
Adam Hyronimus was upbeat heading into Saturday, and with the position he'd gathered felt rather confident turning in.
“Very pleasing to see her come and get the job done, everything worked out perfectly,” said Hyeronimus.
“I didn't expect to be one-out one-back, I thought there'd be a lot more pressure and I'd probably end up mid-field and pushed to the fence where I didn't want to be.
“From the get go everything went to plan.”