Annavisto has appreciated the soft conditions at Flemington registering a stylish first-up victory.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare rode the pace to take out the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
The Flemington track was softened by overnight rain which Price said suited Annavisto as the mare tends to jar up if the track is too firm.
Annavisto was able to track the leader Electric Girl before taking over passing the 400m mark.
Vespertine threw out a challenge and looked a strong chance at the 200m, but Annavisto rallied strongly to land a comfortable win.
Sent out the $4.80 favourite under Jamie Kah, Annavisto scored by 3-¼ lengths from Vespertine ($11) with Electric Girl ($8) a further two lengths away third.
Price said Annavisto’s last campaign had been based around getting her rating up to get into the better autumn races.
“I thought she might be a bit vulnerable first-up because she’s a mare that has taken a long time to furnish and hold weight,” Price said.
“She tends to bang off a lot of nervous energy and now she needs to progress to go on and win better group races.”
Kah concurred with Price’s assessment of Annavisto saying the mare had filled-out and was a more mature galloper this time around.
“She’s matured a lot, physically and mentally,” Kah said.
“She allowed me to a take a nice sit today and she relaxed. That was probably the difference in the finish as she was very strong late.
“She’s always been a talented horse, but she’s done it a bit too hard early in her races. I think now she’s matured we can take that sit, if we need to.
“She’s grown and I think she’s in for a good prep.”
Simply dominant!