Terilee eyes Australasian Oaks 2025 after impressive debut win

Trainer Mick Kent had originally targeted a Group 1 assignment across the border for Terilee, but following her brilliant debut at Caulfield Heath, the plan has shifted to a Melbourne-based winter campaign.

Terilee, starting at $5, made a statement in the Sportsbet Get On Extra Plate (1200m), powering past the $2.15 betting favourite Whately to win by three lengths, with Nebuchadnezzar ($9) a close third.

Although Kent had penciled in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville, a delay in the filly's development prompted a more cautious approach.

“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 explained.

“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 has long rated the filly and believes her debut showcased the talent she’s hinted at in her trackwork.

“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.”

While 1200m was a successful starting point, Kent is confident that longer distances will be well within Terilee’s range.

“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.”