Matthew Smith knew Rebel Miss would have to beat a horse with Stakes form on Saturday at Kembla Grange, but when it did, the trainer wasn’t sure just where his filly would sit in the juvenile ranks.
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Sent out as a $51 TAB fixed odds outsider in the Corporate Members Raceday 2yo Maiden Plate (1000m), Rebel Miss fought on tough along the fence to topple Godolphin’s $1.50 favourite Gloriette.
Gloriette had placed in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) last November, but failed to get past a defiant Rebel Miss despite looming up to win. It came as a surprise even to Smith.
“I thought we would run well but obviously you don’t think you are going to beat a horse which placed in a Listed race at their first start,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see how the form stacks up.”
Rebel Miss was green in the straight on debut but found the line under the urging of Jay Ford.
David Payne’s Sweet Chestnut finished well for third.
“She was pretty new the last 100m and was still good enough to win so I think that is what impressed me,” Smith said.
“I think the way she ran around, she could have easily cost herself the race. I think she must have a bit of ability because she hung on.”
