A rapidly improving filly, Queen’s Gamble, has secured a chance at the third leg of the prestigious Princess Series after a dominant maiden victory at Warwick Farm, easily surpassing a competitive field.
The three-year-old had demonstrated her potential in her preceding two starts, finishing second to Krasina, a noted contender for the Silver Shadow Stakes, and subsequently runner-up to the promising Phantom Agent.
A favourable increase in distance to 1300m in Wednesday’s Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap saw Queen’s Gamble ($8) surge clear to defeat the favourite Satin Serenade ($1.35) by two and a half lengths. Albert Palias ($10) secured the third position.
This decisive win prompted trainer Matt Smith to identify the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 19 as the immediate target for the filly.
“At this time of year, you’ve nearly got to have a crack at them if they’re going well like that, and she’s progressive,” Smith remarked.
“The Tea Rose, it’s about four weeks away, which is perfect.”
Prior to her Warwick Farm triumph, Queen’s Gamble had achieved a placing in all three of her prior starts. Smith highlighted the confidence gained from jockey Tommy Berry’s decision to continue his association with the filly.
“The fact Tommy stayed with her is a big plus because he sits on a lot of nice horses and he could have easily jumped onto something else,” Smith explained.
“The fact he stayed on, I thought, there’s a bit more in the tank than what we’re seeing.
“He was confident when she got over a little bit further, she’d be better, and we’ve definitely bumped into a couple of handy ones (at her previous starts).”
In another race, the Farnan colt Blessed Eagle ($3.10 favourite) is also being considered for a rise in grade after a determined debut win in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m). He fought back after being challenged by Profitabelle ($3.20) and managed to hold off Saffron Veil ($8.50) by a mere nose.
Blessed Eagle, who is a half-brother to the 2023 Gosford Guineas winner Royal Tribute, possesses natural speed and, according to co-trainer Adrian Bott, has considerable untapped potential.
“He was still a little bit new and a little bit raw. He was waiting for those horses to an extent and when they came, he really rallied and responded well,” Bott stated.
“It’s the right time of year to see them stepping up. He’s a natural speed horse so we’ll obviously look at something over the spring for him.”
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