Mick Kent had mapped out a potential trip to Adelaide for debut winner Terilee, eyeing the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m). But instead, the filly will stay closer to home and target local three-year-old fillies’ events throughout the Melbourne winter.

Terilee turned heads with a commanding debut in the Sportsbet Get On Extra Plate (1200m) at Caulfield Heath, where she surged past $2.15 favourite Whately to win by three lengths. Nebuchadnezzar, a $9 chance, closed well to finish third, a short-neck away.

Kent had hoped the filly would be ready for a crack at Group 1 level, but development delays meant her first run came later than anticipated.

“I’ve really liked her all the way through, and I was hoping she would be my Adelaide filly, but we got a bit behind,” Kent said.

“There’s a lovely three-year-old program in Melbourne, so we’ll pick our way through the grades and hopefully she can end up winning a Saturday race for us.

“I would like to give her a good three-year-old season, get at least three or four runs into her. She’s only three once and there’s good program here.”

According to Kent, Terilee had impressed from day one with her natural speed and strong finish in her gallops.

“She’s always been able to quicken up in her work and that’s what we were hoping to see from her,” he said.

“I said to Craig to trust her, just follow the favourite, and she should pick up nicely, which she did.

“Her mother was a good mare, and I loved her pedigree, and I loved her as a type, and I couldn’t help myself.”

Although she opened her account over 1200m, Kent has no doubt the filly will stretch out in trip as she continues her campaign.

“She’s a miler and on her figures, she’s probably got the capacity to run 2000 metres,” he said.

“But with the speed she’s got and the turn of foot she’s got, a mile (1600m) is where she’s going to be seen best at.”