Trainer Mick Kent had hopes of heading across the border with debutant winner Terilee for a potential shot at a Group 1 race.
But instead, the filly is likely to remain in Melbourne for the upcoming winter to try and pick off some three-year-old filly’s races after her debut win in the Sportsbet Get On Extra Plate (1200m) at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Terilee ($5) comfortably ran down the $2.15 favourite Whately to register a three-length victory with Nebuchadnezzar ($9) a short-neck away third.
Kent had the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville at the end of the month picked out for the filly whose debut was delayed due to maturity issues.
“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.”
Kent said Terilee had shown him a good deal of ability right from the time he began working the filly.
He said Terilee had a good turn of foot, but at the same time would appreciate a rise in ground.
“She’s always been able to quicken up in her work and that’s what we were hoping to see from her,” Kent 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.”
While successful at 1200m on debut, Kent has no concern about the filly stepping out in trip.
“She’s a miler and on her figures, she’s probably got the capacity to run 2000 metres,” Kent 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.”
