Trainer John Thompson has received a positive indicator from the Rosebud race, despite not having a runner, which has provided a timely confidence boost for Screen Icon’s upcoming return in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.
The Rosebud was won by Chilly Girl, who finished a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in a barrier trial on August 7. That trial was won by Group 1 performer Apocalyptic.
In a Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) field where eight of the eleven runners are appearing for the first time since their juvenile season, Thompson is hoping that the trial form will be a promising sign 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 said. “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 as a two-year-old, was an emergency for the Golden Slipper but was unable to secure a start.
Thompson kept her in training for the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later, but she had reached the end of her campaign before the race, finishing 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 admitted.
Chad Schofield, who has ridden the daughter of Nicconi – the 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 happy 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Stablemate Melanite is expected to be withdrawn from the Midway Handicap (1200m) after drawing wide, but Clear Proof will take his place as he aims to continue his form revival.
The gelding, who was placed in the 2024 Listed Rosebud (1100m), subsequently lost his way but has started to put together some consistent efforts and is a last start Canterbury winner.
“He’s always had ability. He was just left a colt too long,” Thompson remarked. “But he’s come good, and he’s a lot more genuine.”
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