John Thompson, despite not having a runner in the Rosebud, has found the result of the three-year-old feature race to be a significant confidence booster ahead of Screen Icon’s return in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.
Chilly Girl, the winner of the Rosebud, finished half a length ahead of Screen Icon in a barrier trial on August 7, a trial that was also won by the Group 1 performer Apocalyptic.
With a field of 11 runners in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m), where eight are making their first start since their juvenile season, Thompson is hopeful that the trial form will serve as a strong indication for Screen Icon.
“Her first trial was good, and her second trial in a strong heat was franked by Chilly Girl coming out and winning well on Saturday,” Thompson revealed. “They finished alongside each other and that was my filly’s first time away from Randwick. She got a little bit lost, but she still trialled well.”
Screen Icon, who was placed in the Gimcrack and Sweet Embrace Stakes at two, was an emergency for the Golden Slipper but did not secure a start.
Thompson opted to keep her in work for the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later, but she had reached the end of her preparation before the race, crossing the line in sixth.
“I tried to get something after missing a run in the Slipper, but that extra couple of weeks was about five days too long,” Thompson explained.
Chad Schofield, who has partnered the Nicconi filly – sire of champion sprinter Nature Strip – in all four of her previous starts, will again be in the saddle from barrier nine at Randwick. Thompson is content to leave the race tactics to Schofield.
“He knows her well. She has been beginning well and putting herself there in her trials, so I’ll leave it up to him,” Thompson stated. “It’s a pretty even lot (of fillies). It’s just a matter of which one has taken a step up from last ‘prep’ to this. Her trials have indicated she’s going great, and in her work at home she’s been going well.”
Stablemate Melanite is anticipated to be scratched from the Midway Handicap (1200m) due to drawing the outside gate. However, Clear Proof is slated to take his place as he seeks to continue his recent form improvement.
Having secured a placing in the 2024 Listed Rosebud (1100m), the son of Justify had lost his way but has since demonstrated consistent performances as a gelding and is a last-start winner at Canterbury.
“He’s always had ability. He was just left a colt too long,” Thompson commented. “But he’s come good, and he’s a lot more genuine.”
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