Smokin’ Princess Keeps Winning Run Alive with Flemington Victory

Smokin’ Princess showcased her dominance once more, clinching a thrilling victory in the All-Star Mile Owner Ambassador Trophy (1600m) and maintaining her unblemished record in 2025.

The race was contested on a track that had been softened by rain, shifting from a Good 4 to a Slow 6 by race time. Co-trainer Michelle Payne, who conditions the mare alongside her brother Patrick, believed the wet ground played to Smokin’ Princess’s advantage.

“I think actually it was an advantage for her, she’s a big mare, so the give in the track would have been ideal for her,” Payne said.

“She did have to overcome a wide barrier, though, and Tom (Prebble) did a really good job.

“She’s giving us everything she’s got and going from strength to strength so we couldn’t be happier.”

With a stellar record of nine wins and four minor placings from 19 career starts, Payne revealed that the team will now consider a Stakes race for the talented mare.

“Who knows, we’ll see how she pulls up, get her home and try and place her as best we can,” Payne said.