Courageous Cambridge mare Pop Star Princess put all her fighting qualities on display at Te Rapa on Saturday when she downed a talented line-up of rating 82 gallopers over 1200m. The noted front-runner strode straight to the head of affairs after making a quick getaway from the inside barrier before taking a trail behind the free-going Malambo.

Allowed to stride alongside the pacemaker at the top of the straight by regular pilot Lynsey Satherley, the five-year-old Makfi mare kicked gamely as she held out a late charge from race favourite Sai Fah to land her fifth career victory.

Trainer Fred Cornege had been confident of a good performance leading into the race after his charge had finished close up behind Its Destinys Child in the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m) at her last start. “We had been expecting a good run as she had drawn well which is the key for her,” Cornege said. “She's just a natural free running type and when she gets a favourable draw it suits her down to the ground as she can get away and take control. “We've tried to teach her to run in the field but she just loses concentration so it's best not to try and fight her and just let her do her own thing.”

Cornege is noncommittal about the path ahead for Pop Star Princess as a bitter and prolonged dispute involving one of the mare's leaseholders and an incident that occurred back in March, has yet to play out in court. “I'm not sure where we are going to head with her as there is a case pending that will play a significant role in what we do with her,” he said. “That case is likely to go to court in January or February next year so my wife (Lindsay) and I are hoping that it will provide resolution to the matter.

“My wife has been to hell and back over this mare so I was just rapt to get the win on Saturday as I think she deserves it.” Alongside her five career victories Pop Star Princess has also added seven minor placings including finishing third in the 2018 edition of the Listed Counties Bowl to gain some valuable black type.