Trainer John Thompson is eager to see his promising filly, Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci, gain valuable experience at Rosehill ahead of her bid for the Golden Slipper (1200m). She is set to resume her campaign in the G2 Silver Slipper this Saturday.

Bel Merci, who scored a dominant debut win last October, has had multiple trials leading into her return. After Chad Schofield’s suspension, Zac Lloyd will now take the ride.

In a trial at Rosehill earlier this month, the filly noticeably laid in during the straight, prompting Thompson to send her for another hit-out at Kembla Grange, where she posted an 8.3-length win.

“It definitely was (a concern) on the day but that was her first trip away from home,” Thompson said.

“She had done everything at Randwick and never been away.

“I think she just got a bit lost. She was wide in the trial and it caught everybody by surprise, more so Chad than anyone.”

Thompson is now pleased with her progress and expects a strong performance this weekend.

“She’ll run well (on Saturday). Good horses run well, simple as that,” he said.

“She’s a good filly. She’s just got to go and do it at the races now.”

The form out of her Gimcrack victory has remained strong, with both O’ Ole and Memo placing in major two-year-old events, including the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

“The form is really good,” Thompson said.

“Those two fillies that placed behind her went and ran the quinella in both Magic Millions races. And Gai’s nice filly (Bellazaine) that won at Randwick last week was in the Gimcrack as well. So it’s a good form line.”

After the Silver Slipper, Bel Merci is scheduled to contest the Reisling Stakes at Randwick on March 8 before heading to the Golden Slipper.