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The 2026 Tea Rose Stakes results at Randwick saw the unbeaten spring rise of Bangkok Hottie continue, with the David Payne-trained filly overcoming a testing run to claim an important Princess Series double and confirm herself as a genuine contender for next month’s Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m).

Fresh off her victory in the Furious Stakes, the daughter of Too Darn Hot again showcased her class under Kerrin McEvoy, settling prominently before proving too strong in the run home to defeat Striking Alibi ($2.70 favourite) by three-quarters of a length, with Global Goal ($7.50) a long neck away in third in the Group 2 $300,000 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).

The victory was Bangkok Hottie’s fourth win from seven starts and strengthened her impressive three-year-old record, adding another elite-level performance to a preparation that continues to gain momentum towards the Sydney fillies’ mile feature – the $750,000 Flight Stakes on Epsom Handicap Day, October 3.

Payne Confirms 2026 Flight Stakes Mission

Trainer David Payne, who won the Flight Stakes back in 2020 with Montefilia, was delighted with the filly’s toughness after she raced closer to the speed than originally planned, a tactic forced in part by the track pattern and race circumstances.

“We didn’t want her that handy, but the way the track was playing, I said to Kerrin, ‘I’m leaving it to you’, and he does the right thing,” he told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

Payne confirmed the Flight Stakes is now the clear target and expressed confidence his filly will be suited by the rise to a mile.

“I wish she could get a decent draw where she could be covered up. Maybe in the Flight Stakes, hopefully,” he said.

“She steps up all the time so I don’t think it will worry her.”

McEvoy Praises Progressive Filly

McEvoy was equally impressed with the filly’s professionalism, particularly after she was challenged mid-race and forced to work earlier than expected.

“She was quickly into stride, but I was a little bit worried when that horse came up on our outside and got her a little bit fired up,” the winning Tea Rose Stakes hoop said.

“I just let that thing go in front knowing I was going to run it down and that’s exactly what she did.”

The veteran jockey believes the step to 1600m can bring further improvement.

“She has a good mind but is lightly raced. She knows what her job is,” McEvoy added.

“She’s versatile. The option is there to go to the mile and hopefully her best is still to come when she gets there.”

Flight Stakes Betting Market Tightens

While Bangkok Hottie secured the Tea Rose Stakes victory, the market reaction for the 2026 Flight Stakes was equally influenced by the eye-catching efforts of the placegetters.

Runner-up Striking Alibi lost no admirers after an unlucky performance, with jockey James McDonald declaring:

“She was enormous. Just the run of the race. No luck.”

The Chris Waller-trained filly subsequently firmed from $8 into $3.60 in Flight Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.

Meanwhile, third-placed Global Goal made a significant statement despite missing the win. Jockey Dylan Gibbons suggested the filly’s performance indicated she would relish the rise to 1600m.

“A little bit better. Just hit that flat spot at a vital part. Really good trial for the mile,” he said.

Bookmakers agreed, installing Global Goal as the new $3 favourite for the Flight Stakes after she tightened from $5.50, while Bangkok Hottie sits as the $6 third elect following her Tea Rose Stakes success.

With her Group 2 winning streak intact and a confirmed path to the 2026 Flight Stakes, Bangkok Hottie heads to Randwick’s premier fillies’ mile in outstanding form, but a fascinating rematch awaits against the fast-finishing Global Goal and luckless Striking Alibi in what is shaping as one of the most competitive editions of the spring classic in recent years.

2026 Tea Rose Stakes Results