Following the swift Blue Door into the home straight, the two fillies pulled clear for a thrilling contest in the final 200 metres.
However, it was the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Chilly Girl who ultimately prevailed close to the line, securing a decisive and expanding victory.
This win marked a significant training achievement for Ryan and Alexiou, especially after their promising filly sustained a hamstring injury shortly after her dazzling debut win in the Widden Stakes back in January.
“After she came back following her hamstring problem, there was nothing for her over winter so I said we will aim for this race,” Ryan said. “She has had a long, slow preparation for this race but after I saw her parading in the mounting yard, I was more confident about her chances today. She’s a promising filly.”
Ridden adeptly by Tim Clark, Chilly Girl ($6.50) tracked the favourite Blue Door ($3.60) throughout the race before finishing strongly to win by a length. Central Europe ($5.50) ran on gamely for third, a further 1.25 lengths behind Castillo King. Those seeking the best horse racing betting sites witnessed Chilly Girl overcome the well-backed favourite.
Clark described Chilly Girl as “fantastic” and anticipates further improvement now that she’s had her first start in over six months.
“Chilly Girl jumped well, rolled forward and worked across with Blue Door,” Clark said.
“I found its back and I thought it would take me everywhere I needed to go, which it did.
“She still got a little bit lost when I had to come off Blue Door’s back and had to really chase after it.,
“But I loved the way she knuckled down late, she was very determined. It was a really strong win, she has come back in great order.”
Chilly Girl was bred and is owned by Bert Vieira, and she is the progeny of his former standout sprinter and now prominent Widden Stud stallion, Trapeze Artist.
The undefeated filly’s dam is I Got Chills, a former brilliant sprinter who was once a favourite for the Golden Slipper but was sidelined from the world’s richest two-year-old race in 2006 due to injury.
I Got Chills, who famously won the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes under a significant betting plunge, was partly owned by the late, great Australian singer Olivia Newton-John.
Chilly Girl was also slated for a Golden Slipper campaign, but like her dam, she missed the race due to a hamstring injury.
Ryan believes Chilly Girl’s setback last season may ultimately prove beneficial, providing the filly with additional time to mature and develop.
“It was good for Bert to see Chilly Girl win as he’s been very patient,” Ryan said.
“We will go to the Furious Stakes next and then the Tea Rose Stakes.
“After we get her out to 1400m in the Tea Rose, then we will decide if try her at a mile for the Flight Stakes or go back to the shorter races.”
Chilly Girl’s victory marked the second consecutive Rosebud triumph for Ryan and Alexiou, following their success with Skyhook in the three-year-old feature last year.
Blue Door, owned by John Singleton, led for much of the race and held on for second, with trainer Bjorn Baker considering keeping the filly fresh for the Heritage Stakes later next month.
Central Europe finished strongly for third place, marking its third consecutive stakes placing from as many starts. Trainer Chris Waller indicated that the promising colt might be aimed at the Run To The Rose in four weeks.
Those keen on the racing betting markets will be watching Chilly Girl’s next start closely.