Widden Stakes winner Chilly Girl has been ruled out of the Golden Slipper after sustaining a minor injury that has ended her autumn campaign.
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained daughter of Trapeze Artist has been sent to the spelling paddock less than two weeks after her commanding victory in the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.
That win had elevated Chilly Girl into Golden Slipper contention at $11 before her preparation was halted when she suffered a minor hamstring issue during trackwork last week.
Ryan said the decision to spell the filly was made with her long-term development as the priority, with the stable unwilling to risk a more serious setback.
A return in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick in April was briefly explored, however the stable ultimately opted for a full spell.
Connections are confident the time away will benefit Chilly Girl and allow her to return as a stronger three-year-old.
