Rebel Miss right at home in W Farm success

The Matthew Smith-trained Rebel Miss finishes best out wide to win at Warwick Farm.

Rebel Miss has scored her first Sydney win at her fourth attempt and may be on track for another tilt at black-type racing.

The Matthew Smith-trained mare finished strongly on her home track at Warwick Farm to claim the Schweppes Handicap (1000m), a potential step towards the upper echelon.

Her previous foray into better-class racing resulted in a ninth of 13 in the Group Two Fast And Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

“She’s done a good job to win there,” Smith said.

“At the 600 (metres) I thought how good’s this and then about a hundred yards later she copped a check and lost her position.

“I thought we’re going to struggle but she was strong to the line.”

Rebel Miss and Realise Potential could not be separated as $3.10 equal favourites but the latter had to settle for second after being pipped by a long head.

Cosmic Cameo ($17) was three-quarters of a length back in third.

Smith hoped Rebel Miss, who has raced this preparation at Newcastle, Hawkesbury and Sydney midweek meetings, might again warrant another attempt at black-type for her breeding page.

“We’ll see how far she can climb the ladder and maybe if she gets up a few more wins under her belt we might have a crack at a black-type race,” he said.

“We’ve had to be a bit patient with her. It was a good strong win and there’s plenty more in store for her.”

Jockey Tim Clark was satisfied with the sprinter’s doggedness.

“She’s been racing consistently and the drop back to the 1000 (metres) really suited her. She knuckled down and did a really good job.”