Surprise-package Sabatini is not among Thousand Guineas nominations but she has upstaged a host of fillies aimed at the Group One with a last-to-first win in Saturday's Quezette Stakes.

The Lee and Shannon Hope-trained filly was coming off a Bendigo maiden win and connections gave her the chance in the early-season stakes race after she drew well for the 1100-metre event.

"We've thrown her in the deep end. The barrier made the difference in us coming here today," Shannon Hope said.

Hope expected Sabatini, who had late support from $26 to $21, to settle in the first four and run well but instead the daughter of Street Cry ended up last early before rounding the field and chasing down favourite Royal Snitzel ($2.60) to win by a long head.

The previously unbeaten Novel Dancer was heavily backed from $8 to $4.40 but had to endure a wide run and finished 2-1/4 lengths away third.

"The way things panned out, it was a great ride," Hope said.

"She's fit and well and might be just flying under the radar a bit."

Hope said of all the two-year-olds in the team from last season, Sabatini had been the slowest maturer.

There is an option for connections to pay late entry fee of $27,500 for the Thousand Guineas.

Nick Hall took over on Sabatini from Michelle Payne who had ridden the filly in her two starts but missed the Quezette ride because of suspension.

Royal Snitzel sat close to the speed and kicked early in the straight but jockey Dale Smith said she was still learning and didn't know how to put the race away.

"My opinion of her hasn't changed. I think she's got bigger and better things in store," he said.