Exciting mare Queens Gamble is set for a first go over hurdles before she heads for grass this summer.
The 5yo had a spectacular bumper campaign, twice winning impressively at Cheltenham, including an eight length victory in the Mares’ Listed Bumper at the November Meeting.
She was last seen when finishing down the field on soft ground in the Champion Bumper at the Festival, but prior to that suffered a narrow defeat to Dysart Enos, when giving her 4lb in the Alan Swinbank at Market Rasen. The winner recently landing the G2 Mares Bumper at Aintree.
However, connections which include Tote CEO Alex Frost remain bullish about her qualities and are set to give her the opportunity to make her hurdles debut in a novice hurdle at either Warwick or Kempton on the 1st May, meaning that if she wins, she’ll retain her novice status for next season.
Her dam, Gambling Girl, was twice a winner as a novice hurdler as well, so it’s no surprise that Queens Gamble has been catching the eye at home.
Trainer Oliver Sherwood said, “I am incredibly happy with her and have been for the past few weeks. We’ve been schooling her at home and she seems to be a real natural over hurdles and most importantly, really enjoys going over obstacles.”
Johnny Burke has so far partnered Queens Gamble on all four of her racecourse outings, but is unable to take the ride this time around due to a broken arm, so instead Brendan Powell will get the leg up on the daughter of Getaway.
Powell said, “She really locks into her hurdles and attacks them like a real pro. I am really excited about getting the ride and looking forward to seeing how she progresses over hurdles. She is an exciting one for sure.”
