The promising filly Queen’s Gamble is on a path towards the third leg of the lucrative Princess Series following a commanding maiden victory at Warwick Farm.

This three-year-old had been showing strong form in her recent outings, securing a second place behind Krasina, a contender for the Silver Shadow Stakes, and another runner-up finish to Phantom Agent.

A step up in distance to 1300m in Wednesday’s Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap proved to be the key, with Queen’s Gamble ($8) pulling clear to defeat the odds-on favourite Satin Serenade ($1.35) by two and a half lengths. Albert Palias ($10) claimed third.

Trainer Matt Smith has now set his sights on the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 19 as the filly’s immediate objective.

“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 commented.

“The Tea Rose, it’s about four weeks away, which is perfect.”

Queen’s Gamble had placed in all her previous starts before this breakthrough win. Smith indicated that jockey Tommy Berry’s continued support was a significant positive indicator.

“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).”

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

Blessed Eagle, a half-brother to the 2023 Gosford Guineas winner Royal Tribute, possesses natural speed and, according to co-trainer Adrian Bott, has significant 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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