Golden Slipper Contender Bel Merci Ready for Royal Randwick Trials

Trainer John Thompson has mapped out a clear path for unbeaten filly Bel Merci, with Tuesday’s barrier trials at Royal Randwick being a crucial step as she prepares for the prestigious Golden Slipper. The trials mark a crucial preparation phase for the talented contender as she aims for March 22.

Bel Merci made an impressive start to her career with a commanding win in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick last October. After this debut, Thompson opted to rest the promising filly, setting up a methodical plan for her return to racing during the 2025 Autumn Carnival. With her current status as a $13 equal second favorite for the Golden Slipper, expectations are high.

“She has been back about eight weeks and is going well,” Thompson said. “I think she is probably ready a little early, but that’s OK. It gives me a week or so up my sleeve.”

Bel Merci will run over 740m in heat at Royal Randwick, and Chad Schofield will ride her for the first time. There will be a subsequent trial at Rosehill before the next race at the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes(1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 22, which precedes her main run before progressing onto the Group 2 Riesling Stakes (1200m) set to run on March 8 at Royal Randwick.

The Royal Randwick trials will feature several notable horses. Thompson will also present unraced King’s Legacy filly Open Secret in the same 740-meter heat as Bel Merci. Thompson remains optimistic but cautious about the filly’s potential. “She is a really nice filly, but we don’t really know much more than that,” he admitted.

Group 1 Flight Stakes winner Lady Shenandoah will also compete in the heat, alongside last year’s ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Manaal. These fillies are targeting high-profile races, including the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on March 1.

The trials will also see Golden Rose placegetter Mayfair return to action as the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained contender ready for a Group 1 campaign during the carnival, with a strong focus on the Golden Slipper. The filly’s preparation is key as she looks to build on her form and compete for the prestigious title in Australian Horse Racing.

Another standout participant is Clean Energy, an unbeaten filly and sister to former champion sprinter Sunlight. She will trial in a separate 740-meter heat alongside last year’s Kindergarten Stakes winner Espionage, both with their sights set on the Golden Slipper. These fillies are sure to be closely watched as they gear up for one of the season’s most anticipated races in Australian Horse Racing.

Group 2 Missile Stakes winner Schwarz will also take part in a 1050-meter event, marking his second trial this preparation. Trainers will be monitoring his progress closely as he gears up for his autumn campaign, with the Golden Slipper still on the horizon. The trials at Royal Randwick and later at Warwick Farm on Thursday provide an essential platform for horses preparing for the competitive Sydney Autumn Carnival, offering valuable insights into fitness and readiness as trainers fine-tune their strategies for the weeks ahead.

For Thompson and Bel Merci, this preparation phase is pivotal. “It’s a big campaign, but we’re excited about her prospects,” he noted. With thoughtful planning and proven ability, Bel Merci stands as a formidable contender for the upcoming carnival.