The barrier trial star Bonita Queen was at short odds to make a winning debut in a 1000m 3yo maiden at Hawkesbury on Thursday, but when pushed to find the front, the race set up nicely for the fast-finishing closer, Hampton Queen.
Ridden by Chad Scofield for Peter and Paul Snowden, the powerfully made Russian Revolution debutant came from second last to overpower the I Am Invincible filly Bonita Queen by a neck with a long-head back to the Harry Angel (IRE) colt Midnight Harry who motored home for third.
“She has been taken along quietly. We have a bit of time for her, and she needed some time to develop,” Paul Snowden said.
“This race is a lot shorter than what she needs in time. She has been a bit aggressive, hence the reason we started off at the shorter trip.
“Chad had her comfortable, idling nicely off a good tempo. The favourite may have been softened up a tad, but this filly was always going to be strong through the line. When she was in striking position turning for home, you knew she would have a good kick.
“As long as she learns to settle, she would have no trouble with seven furlongs. In the meantime, small steps, and we can progress to something further later.”
A $360,000 purchase for China Horse Club from the Sledmere Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Hampton Queen is a half-sister to four winners led by the Group II ATC Sweet Embrace Stakes winners Always Allison (More Than Ready) and Group II-placed Kyria (Encosta de Lago).
Bred by China Horse Club Racing, Hampton Queen is a daughter of the winning Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) mare Rhema, a half-sister to Victoria Derby winner Benicio, Group II MVRC Moonee Valley Oaks winner Romneya, and Group III ATC Show County Quality winner Roheryn.
Rhema’s Group III winning a Group 1-placed dam Mannington is a half-sister to Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Bolinger and Group II winner Sheraton out of Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay.
Rhema died last October, shortly after foaling a sister to Hampton Queen.
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