Emerging filly Queen’s Gamble has earned a shot at the third leg of the lucrative Princess Series after demolishing a handy field to break her maiden at Warwick Farm.
The three-year-old had put the writing on the wall at her past two starts with a second to Silver Shadow Stakes hopeful Krasina, before again bumping into a promising type when runner-up to Phantom Agent last time.
Appreciating a 100m distance rise in Wednesday’s Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1300m), Queen’s Gamble ($8) streaked clear to account for Satin Serenade ($1.35 fav) by 2-1/2 lengths with Albert Palias ($10) third, prompting trainer Matt Smith to nominate the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 19 as the winner’s immediate goal.
QUEEN’S GAMBLE splits the gap and pounces up on the outside to win impressively at Warwick Farm! 👑@mcsmithracing @TommyBerry21 @aus_turf_club @racing_nsw pic.twitter.com/oA62DjyJhR
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 19, 2026
“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 said.
“The Tea Rose, it’s about four weeks away, which is perfect.”
Queen’s Gamble had placed at all three starts prior to her Warwick Farm win, and Smith said he’d taken heart from top 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 said.
“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).”
Farnan colt Blessed Eagle ($3.10 fav) could also be stepped up in grade after scoring a tough debut win in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m), fighting back after being headed by eventual third placegetter Profitabelle ($3.20) then staving off the late bid of Saffron Veil ($8.50) by a nose.
A half-brother to 2023 Gosford Guineas winner Royal Tribute, the three-year-old has natural speed and according to co-trainer Adrian Bott, plenty of upside.
“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 said.
“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.”
