Matthew Smith banks on Queen's Gamble's potential in the Tea Rose Stakes
Emerging filly Queen's Gamble is set to face some of Sydney's most accomplished three-year-olds in the Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick. Trainer Matthew Smith, however, has a solid precedent for his confidence in her ability to compete.
Smith's previous charge, Hurtle Myrtle, was a consistent performer in the 2009 Princess Series, participating in all four legs and finishing in the top three on three occasions. This included a notable third behind the formidable More Joyous in the Group 1 Flight Stakes over 1600 metres.
The subsequent autumn saw Hurtle Myrtle come remarkably close to a major upset in the Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm, where she was only narrowly defeated by More Joyous.
"She was good as a three-year-old. One day at Warwick Farm, Hurtle Myrtle ran against More Joyous. More Joyous was about $1.20 and Hurtle Myrtle headed her with about fifty (metres) to go before More Joyous kicked back and won the race and I thought, oh my God," Smith stated.
"This filly is similar. A scopey type of filly who is unassuming.
"I think there are similarities. Queen's Gamble has had a few runs, but she seems to be handling her racing well."
Queen's Gamble commenced her campaign with two second-place finishes in midweek races at Canterbury before breaking her maiden status with a commanding display at Warwick Farm on August 19. Her subsequent start at the same track saw her record an even more dominant victory, winning by over three lengths.
The stable has been impressed by the filly's progressive improvement with each race, admitting that her rapid ascent has caught them somewhat by surprise.
"She's only a lightly-framed filly, so we were never really looking for anything big at home," Smith commented.
"For that reason, she has probably got under our guard a little bit because we hadn't been asking her for much.
"Her first two runs were good and the way she pulled up after each run she didn't really need a lot of work, so I just kept ticking her over and she has gone from strength to strength."
Jockey Tommy Berry, who has partnered Queen's Gamble in three of her five career starts, is booked to ride her in the 1400-metre Tea Rose Stakes.
While Smith expects a solid performance, he believes the filly will be even more effective when she contests the mile trip of the Flight Stakes next month.
"She will definitely be suited in the Flight," he confirmed.
"If we get a strong-run gallop, the 14 (1400m) will suit her, but the Flight will be better."
As of Thursday, Queen's Gamble was available at $8, with Chilly Girl, the winner of the Rosebud, being the $3.30 favourite.
Explore the leading betting sites for competitive racing odds on the Tea Rose Stakes.
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