Trainer John Thompson is eager for Bel Merci, the Gimcrack Stakes winner, to gain more race experience at Rosehill before aiming for the Golden Slipper. The exciting filly is set to launch her autumn campaign in the Silver Slipper this Saturday.

After her brilliant victory in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) at Randwick last October, Bel Merci will return to the track at Rosehill for her first race back. Zac Lloyd will ride, as Chad Schofield is suspended for the meeting.

Bel Merci had a barrier trial at Rosehill earlier this month, where she laid in during the straight and finished second. Following this, Thompson sent her to Kembla Grange, where she produced an impressive 8.3-length win in her third trial.

Thompson explained that the Rosehill trial was her first time away from home, leading to her unusual behavior. He was pleased with her improvement at Kembla and believes she is ready for Saturday’s race.

“The form is really good,” Thompson noted, citing the success of the Gimcrack’s placegetters in subsequent races. “She’s a good filly. It’s just a matter of how she’s going to measure up to those good colts.”

The Silver Slipper is a key step for Bel Merci ahead of the Golden Slipper at the same track.