John Thompson didn’t have a runner in the Rosebud, but the result of the three-year-old feature has given him a timely confidence boost ahead of Screen Icon’s return in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.
The Rosebud was taken out by Chilly Girl, who finished a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in a barrier trial on August 7 won by Group 1 performer Apocalyptic.
In a Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) field where eight of the 11 runners are appearing for the first time since their juvenile season, Thompson is hoping that trial form is a portent of things to come 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.”
Placed in the Gimcrack and Sweet Embrace Stakes at two, Screen Icon was an emergency for the Golden Slipper but didn’t secure a start.
Thompson kept her in work for the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later, but she 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 said.
Chad Schofield has ridden the daughter of Nicconi – the sire of champion sprinter Nature Strip – in all four starts and will again be in the saddle from barrier nine at Randwick, with Thompson content to leave tactics in Schofield’s hands.
“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 said.
“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 likely to be scratched from the Midway Handicap (1200m) after drawing wide, but Clear Proof will take his place as he bids to continue his form revival.
Placed in the 2024 Listed Rosebud (1100m), the son of Justify subsequently lost his way but has begun to put together some consistent efforts as a gelding and is a last start Canterbury winner.
“He’s always had ability. He was just left a colt too long,” Thompson said.
“But he’s come good, and he’s a lot more genuine.”
