Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result

Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.

The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in a barrier trial on August 7. This trial was also contested by Group 1 competitor Apocalyptic.

As the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) field is comprised of eleven runners, with eight of them making their debut since their juvenile campaign, Thompson is optimistic that the trial form will translate well 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," stated Thompson. "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."

Screen Icon, who previously achieved placings in the Gimcrack and Sweet Embrace Stakes as a two-year-old, was an emergency for the prestigious Golden Slipper but did not secure a start.

Thompson continued her preparation for the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m), held a fortnight later. However, her campaign concluded before the race, with her 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 explained.

Chad Schofield, the jockey who has ridden the Nicconi filly – daughter of the sire of champion sprinter Nature Strip – in all four of her races, will again be aboard from barrier nine at Randwick. Thompson has decided to entrust Schofield with the race tactics.

"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."

His stablemate Melanite is likely to be scratched from the Midway Handicap (1200m) due to a wide draw. However, Clear Proof will take his place as he aims to continue his resurgence in form.

The gelding, who finished placed in the 2024 Listed Rosebud (1100m), had previously lost his way but has since demonstrated consistent efforts and is a last-start winner at Canterbury.

"He's always had ability. He was just left a colt too long," Thompson commented. "But he's come good, and he's a lot more genuine."

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