Four-year-old mare Precious Charm led throughout to score a game victory at Flemington on Oaks Day to vindicate what looked an unorthodox preparation by trainer Symon Wilde.
The daughter of Per Incanto jumped from an inside draw and was well-rated by jockey Jordan Childs.
Headed mid-stretch by runner-up Fancify, Precious Charm was able to fight back over the concluding stages to gain a nose margin on the line.
The Warrnambool-prepared mare has now won three of her four career starts having won on debut in March before disappointing at Ballarat when resuming over 1200m two-starts back.
She then bounced back to form when successful over 1200m on her home track last start and had no issues with the sharp rise to 1700m on Thursday.
“She’s always been a filly that has had an enormous amount of scope,” stable representative Liam Hoy said.
“When she won at Warrnambool, Symon looked at this race straight away.
“He knows the horse back-to-front and it’s no secret he’s a good horseman. Aggressive placement and a super ride by Jordy and it is a huge thrill for everyone involved.”
The stable won the race three years ago with top staying mare Tralee Rose, but Hoy was quick to dismiss any comparisons.
“They’re completely different types of horses but certainly this is a good race for a country stable to aim at during the carnival.
“She had a bit of a ‘mulligan’ first-up and we gave her time between runs. Symon has always had an enormous opinion of the horse.
“I think she is still putting it all together. She fought back (after being headed) and it was a very brave and tough effort up to the 1700m.
“She has come on leaps and bounds maturity-wise and physically she still looks a prep away. It is very exciting, and it will be interesting to see her ceiling and she is one to look forward to.”