Trainer Mick Kent had his sights set on a Group 1 target across the border with promising debut winner Terilee, but the plan has shifted, and the filly will now stay local for a Melbourne winter campaign.

Following her impressive debut in Wednesday’s Sportsbet Get On Extra Plate (1200m) at Caulfield Heath, where she stormed home for a dominant three-length win, Terilee will instead aim at three-year-old fillies’ races in Victoria.

Guided by Craig Williams, Terilee ($5) comfortably accounted for the $2.15 betting favourite Whately, with Nebuchadnezzar ($9) running on for third, a short-neck behind.

Kent had originally pinpointed the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville later this month for the daughter of a proven staying family. However, maturity setbacks meant a delayed debut and a redirection in plans.

“I’ve really liked her all the way through, and I was hoping she would be my Adelaide filly, but we got a bit behind,” Kent said.

“There’s a lovely three-year-old program in Melbourne, so we’ll pick our way through the grades and hopefully she can end up winning a Saturday race for us.

“I would like to give her a good three-year-old season, get at least three or four runs into her. She’s only three once and there’s good program here.”

Kent said he’d seen talent in Terilee early on, noting her sharp acceleration and staying potential.

“She’s always been able to quicken up in her work and that’s what we were hoping to see from her,” Kent said.

“I said to Craig to trust her, just follow the favourite, and she should pick up nicely, which she did.

“Her mother was a good mare, and I loved her pedigree, and I loved her as a type, and I couldn’t help myself.”

Despite winning over 1200m first-up, Kent believes she’ll excel over more ground as the preparation progresses.

“She’s a miler and on her figures, she’s probably got the capacity to run 2000 metres,” Kent said.

“But with the speed she’s got and the turn of foot she’s got, a mile (1600m) is where she’s going to be seen best at.”