Bel Merci to return in the Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill

Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci will step out at Rosehill this Saturday as she embarks on her Golden Slipper journey, with trainer John Thompson keen to give her valuable track experience before the big race.

The promising filly hasn’t raced since her Gimcrack Stakes triumph in October but has been building up fitness through trials. With Chad Schofield suspended, Zac Lloyd will ride Bel Merci in the G2 Silver Slipper.

Her most recent trial saw her dominate at Kembla Grange, winning by over eight lengths, a stark improvement from a previous Rosehill trial where she laid in noticeably.

“It definitely was (a concern) on the day but that was her first trip away from home,” Thompson said.

“She had done everything at Randwick and never been away.

“I think she just got a bit lost. She was wide in the trial and it caught everybody by surprise, more so Chad than anyone.”

After the dominant Kembla trial, Thompson is confident Bel Merci is in top shape for her return.

“She’ll run well (on Saturday). Good horses run well, simple as that.

“She’s a good filly. She’s just got to go and do it at the races now.”

Bel Merci’s form is backed up by strong performances from her rivals, with both O’ Ole and Memo placing in major juvenile events, including the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

“The form is really good,” Thompson said.

“Those two fillies that placed behind her went and ran the quinella in both Magic Millions races. And Gai’s nice filly (Bellazaine) that won at Randwick last week was in the Gimcrack as well. So it’s a good form line.”

After the Silver Slipper, Bel Merci is set to run in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick on March 8 before heading to the Golden Slipper.