Another 2YO Metro Winner for Shailer Racing as Silken Salute Goes Back-to-Back at Eagle Farm

Silken Salute has continued his impressive start to racing, securing his second consecutive victory with a determined performance in the 2YO Handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm.

Ridden once again by Andrew Mallyon, the talented juvenile showcased plenty of professionalism, overcoming a less-than-ideal run in transit to stamp himself as a very promising young horse on the rise — and in doing so, becoming another metropolitan 2YO winner for the stable this season.

Silken Salute was a touch warm pre-race, but once the gates opened, he quickly switched on and handled proceedings like a seasoned galloper. The plan had been to settle slightly closer, however the early tempo saw him drift back to the tail of the field, landing on the back of his main rival.

Travelling strongly through the middle stages, he tracked into the race with purpose before peeling out upon straightening. The leader gave a strong kick in the straight, and carrying top weight, Silken Salute was forced to dig deep over the final stages. It took the entirety of the 1400m, but under a well-timed and confident ride from Mallyon, he proved strongest late — reeling in his rival right where it mattered.

To make it two wins from two starts is no easy feat, regardless of the level of competition, and the team couldn’t be more pleased with the way he has handled his first racing preparation.

Looking ahead, Silken Salute has already placed himself on a path towards some of Queensland’s premier juvenile features. With two Saturday metropolitan victories to his name, he is well on track to qualify for the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes and the Group 1 JJ Atkins, both just six weeks away.

As always, his immediate recovery will guide the next steps. Should he bounce through the run well, a brief stint in the paddock followed by a lead-in run could see him return in time to target those feature races.

A fantastic result for his ownership group, including Cambridge Stud, Magic Bloodstock & Thoroughbred Girls, and a credit to the entire team behind the scenes.