Missing the autumn could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for VRC Oaks winner Kirramosa who returns to racing in the Missile Stakes.

Kirramosa had a bone chip removed from a fetlock, a relatively minor operation but one which prompted trainer John Sargent and Kirramosa’s owners to abandon her last campaign.

Sargent has no regrets, saying Kirramosa is now a much stronger horse and he expects her to give a good account of herself in Saturday’s Group Two sprint at Randwick.

“The bone chip was nothing major and we could have given her medication and then gone on to the ATC Oaks,” Sargent said.

“But we decided to give her the time off and she is a much bigger and much stronger mare now.

“She was always a little bit weak but got through on her big heart and her class.”

There were 16 entries taken on Monday for the Missile (1200m) headed by Group One winners Boban and Rebel Dane who both have a 111 rating.

Kirramosa, to be ridden by Tim Clark in the Missile, will be entered for Melbourne’s major spring features including the Melbourne Cup with entries closing on Tuesday.

“It’s sometimes hard for horses to take their three-year-old staying form into their next season but I’m sure she is a genuine stayer,” Sargent said.

“Obviously the Missile will be a bit short but it is a good starting point and I expect her to be running on and to be strong to the line.

“She hasn’t had a trial but had a race day gallop and came through that really well.”

Group One placed sprinter Tiger Tees has been entered for both the Missile and the Group Three Aurie’s Star over the same distance at Flemington on Saturday.

Trainer Joe Pride is looking for the softest ground possible for Tiger Tees but the forecasts in both Sydney and Melbourne may conspire against him.

Fine conditions are predicted for both centres over the coming week.

Pride will have Laser Hawk as a definite Missile contender with the 2012 Rosehill Guineas winner to have his first start for his new stable after a lengthy injury lay-off.