A ROYAL PERFORMANCE AT SANDOWN

Having her first run since her smart Bendigo debut victory over the talented Manhattan View at Bendigo last winter, Our Queen was not at her best behaviour in the gates but her natural ability saw her quickly muster her natural speed.

And from the lead she travelled strongly for Craig Williams, holding on gamely when challenged over the final stages.

"She had the speed to make up for her mistake at the start and still be strong at the end," jockey Craig Williams reported, adding that "she is still quite full of herself and she will derive a lot of benefit from that win."

"She is not really understanding what she is doing yet but she's got really good talent. It's just that mentally and physically she has some catching up to do with that ability!"

Our Queen's winning margin was half a length with Craig confident that there was plenty left in the tank - "I felt that as soon as they were coming to her she was giving a lot more," he said.

It has been a bit of a stop and start preparation for Our Queen with a few issues along the way but they may've been a blessing in disguise with Michael noting that she has improved physically through that time.

"She is 25kg more than she was last time in," he said, "so I think taking our time has been a big help for her."

And there is more to come with Michael describing Our Queen as "a work in progress."

"We will be taking baby steps with her but she's got the ability there; she is a lovely, lovely mare who is developing into that nice frame."

Glen was also excited by the performance - "she is a quirky sort of mare but she has good ability so it's onwards and upwards. It will be interesting to see where she gets to, we will take her through her grades and give her every chance."

Bred in Ireland raced by Trilogy Racing, Our Queen is by Dubawi's outstanding son Night Of Thunder out of a Street Cry mare who has also produced the US based Listed winner Raven's Pass.

She hails from a strong international family, able to boast amongst her relations the Gr.1 gallopers Steinlen (Breeders Cup Mile), Olmedo (French 2000 Guineas), Sunny Queen and the star Japanese mare Stacelita.