A last-minute decision to start Daunting Princess in the Battle Of The Bush Qualifier at Bundaberg on Saturday could lead to trainer Mary Hassam’s biggest ever payday in June.

Despite missing the last meeting of the 2022 Burnett to the Beach Series, jockey Kelly Gates was able to hold on and claim the prize just days after farewelling one of her greatest supporters in the saddle.

Kilkivan trainer Kym Afford is banking points in the 2022 Burnett to the Beach Series as he is well aware his consistent galloper Modern Family is in for a dry spell.