Chilly Girl showed grit and class in equal measure when leading from barrier to post to claim the Widden Stakes at Rosehill, stopping the clock faster than the colts and geldings earlier on the program.
Prepared by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, the daughter of I Got Chills was forced to work early after Miss Scandal applied pressure soon after the gates opened, but she refused to yield and kicked again when Miss Chanel loomed late.
Chilly Girl held on by a neck, recording a time of 1:03.82 — marginally quicker than Hidrix’s winning effort in the Canonbury Stakes run earlier in the day.
Alexiou was delighted with the toughness his filly showed on debut.
“I don’t think she could have done any more,” he said.
“I was hoping she might get it a bit easier, but James pressed the button early and made it a genuine test.
“She was strong enough to kick again and hold them off, which was very pleasing for a first start.”
The co-trainer admitted the pressure mid-race had him worried approaching the final stages but praised her composure.
“She’s bombproof. You wouldn’t think she was a debutant. She’s very professional and that’s what got her through.”
Chilly Girl is now set on a path toward the Golden Slipper, with Alexiou keen to see how she progresses through the coming weeks.
“If she continues the way she’s going, we’ll give her every chance,” he said.
“She’s probably our most forward two-year-old at the moment, and her attitude is her biggest asset.”
Chilly Girl is now quoted at $11 in early Golden Slipper betting behind Warwoven and Hidrix, with markets available through leading betting companies.
Miss Scandal weakened late to finish eighth, with trainer Chris Waller indicating she would now be sent for a spell.
The post Chilly Girl proves too hot for Widden Stakes rivals first appeared on Just Horse Racing.