Queen of the ball shows potential

PROM Queen, aka the queen of speed, has given the best indication yet that she will be wearing a Group I tiara on November 18.

Her seemingly effortless victory in yesterday’s Group III Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) was her eighth victory from just nine trips to the races and sixth on the trot.

Importantly, the Super Easy filly was having her first start on a good track and maiden trip over more than 1200 metres.

If either factor was meant to be an acid test, you wouldn’t have known it.

In a field that was touted as being strong with plenty of 2000 Guineas aspirants, the queen of speed had several gears left in reserve as she cruised to a two and a quarter length victory.

Samantha Collett, who picked up the ride with her cousin and Prom Queen’s regular hoop Alysha Collett suspended, may as well have left her whip in the jockeys’ room.

Kenny Rae, who trains Prom Queen with his wife Lisa and their daughter Krystal Williams, has always been confident his stable star would get the mile. Following the ease with which she won over 1400, it looks as though he will get the last laugh over those who said Prom Queen was just a sprinter.

‘‘Nothing stops her,’’ Rae said after the race.

Bookmakers agree. Prom Queen has been moved into $2.50 for the 1000 Guineas. She was $6 before this race.

Rae confirmed she will not race again until the $300,000 Group I 1000 Guineas (1600m) on November 18.

Sensei had to settle for second, but there were plenty of celebrations for his trainers, Michael and Matt Pitman, as Mira, Why Me, Flying Ibis and Montoya Star gave the father and son training partnership a quartet of victories.

On a day when many horses put their names forward for Cup week assignments, jockey Ryan Bishop’s hopes of success at the Riccarton carnival ended.

The Canterbury-based jockey was dislodged from his mount, Limousine shortly after the start of the Mark McCormick Memorial (race two).

He was taken to Ashburton hospital by Ambulance and was found to have suffered a fracture to his right leg. The exact extent of his injuries were unknown last night but he looks set for a lengthy period on the sidelines.