Chilly Girl, the winner of the Rosebud, is set to tackle an extended 1400 metres for the first time in the upcoming Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick.
The three-year-old filly has previously competed exclusively over shorter distances throughout her nascent career. Her debut victory came in the Widden Stakes (1100m) in January, followed by her win in the Rosebud over the same trip. Most recently, she secured a second-place finish behind Bangkok Hottie in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m).
However, co-trainer Gerald Ryan expressed no reservations about the filly’s step up in distance for Saturday’s third event in the four-race Princess Series. He anticipates that the daughter of Trapeze Artist will perform well over 1400 metres and potentially even further.
“I think she’ll run 1400 metres. I think she’ll run a mile,” Ryan stated.
“She has come out of her last race really well. I don’t think on the fence, behind the leader was the place to be.
“She was brave. She was strong, and it was only her third start in a race.
“She has come on from it. Certainly, looking at the feed bin and the way she is going at home, she hasn’t gone backwards.”
A setback after her Widden Stakes triumph had previously prevented Chilly Girl from participating in the autumn juvenile features.
Despite her dam’s side suggesting speed, with I Got Chills winning the 2005 Maribyrnong Trial and St Albans Stakes over 1000m, Trapeze Artist has sired notable performers like Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner Griff and Australasian Oaks (2000m) victor Panova.
Chilly Girl has drawn barrier two for the 1400m Tea Rose Stakes and will face a rematch with Bangkok Hottie, as well as Striking Alibi, who finished third in the Silver Shadow Stakes.
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