Gala Queen delivered a powerful performance to claim the Listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m) on Monday, March 10, giving trainer Phillip Stokes and jockey Joe Bowditch a valuable feature win.
The Deep Field filly settled midfield off a strong early tempo, with Justa Star and Balistique setting a hot pace in front.
Sabaj, the unbeaten bookmaker favourite, tracked well in the run, while Gala Queen traveled strongly under Bowditch.
As the field swung into the straight, Justa Star and Balistique began to tire, allowing Sabaj and Gala Queen to make their moves together.
The pair sprinted clear, but Gala Queen’s superior turn of foot proved decisive, as she surged past the favourite to score by just under a length at
2025 Morphettville Guineas Replay – Gala Queen
“We’ve always had a high opinion of her, but she’s taken a bit of time. She was very unlucky last start, but she got the job done today and showed what she’s capable of,” Stokes said post-race.
Bowditch, who has partnered Gala Queen throughout this campaign, praised her professionalism and acceleration.
“She’s a real racehorse. I knew if we got in front of Sabaj, we’d be hard to run down. She’s still a bit green, but she’s got a bright future,” he said.
With three wins from six starts, Gala Queen has now established herself as a filly to follow.
Stokes will assess her next steps, with a possible tilt at the Australasian Oaks (April 26) under consideration.
Sabaj lost no admirers in second, while Justa Star fought bravely to hold third ahead of Dark N Confidential and Pelovecchio.
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