Princess Series next for impressive filly Queen's Gamble

An emerging filly named Queen's Gamble is poised for a tilt at the third leg of the lucrative Princess Series after her dominant maiden win at Warwick Farm.

The three-year-old had been building towards a win, with a second placing behind Silver Shadow Stakes hopeful Krasina and another runner-up finish to Phantom Agent in her recent starts.

Stepping up to 1300m in Wednesday's Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap proved beneficial, as Queen's Gamble ($8) powered away to defeat Satin Serenade ($1.35 favourite) by two and a half lengths. Albert Palias ($10) finished third.

Trainer Matt Smith indicated that the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 19 is the filly's immediate target.

"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 in all her prior starts before breaking her maiden. Smith highlighted the significance of jockey Tommy Berry continuing 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 commented.

"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)."

Elsewhere, the Farnan colt Blessed Eagle ($3.10 favourite) is also being considered for a step up in grade following a tenacious debut victory in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m). He fought back strongly after being challenged by Profitabelle ($3.20) and narrowly held off Saffron Veil ($8.50) by a nose.

A half-brother to the 2023 Gosford Guineas winner Royal Tribute, the three-year-old exhibits natural speed and, according to co-trainer Adrian Bott, has considerable scope for improvement.

"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 remarked.

"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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