Annavisto (NZ) (Reliable Man) has secured some important black-type for her connections with an all-the-way victory in the Listed Bendigo Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.
And the Mick Price And Michael Kent Jr-trained filly was on her best behaviour, giving rider Jamie Kah an easy steer.
Sent out the $2.50 favourite, Annavisto scored by 1-¾ lengths from Mozzie Monster ($4.80) with Air Defence ($31) 2-¼ lengths away third.
Annavisto has been her own worst enemy on occasions and blew the start when beaten by stablemate Cumberbatch at Flemington on March 6.
Price and Kent Jr called for a crossover noseband to be applied to Annavisto's gear on Saturday which Kah said was instrumental in her success.
"She's a quality horse and she's been doing it a little bit upside down in her runs," Kah said.
"They put the crossover on her and she was probably going to be a bit keen early, so the idea was to just go with her.
"Once she got to the front, she was lovely. As soon as I crossed to the lead, she dropped the bit.
"She looked around, but she won with plenty in hand I think."
Kent Jr said the kind hands of Kah were instrumental in getting Annavisto to settle after the filly jumped well after a slow start at Flemington last time out.
He said there was no pre-race plan on how the filly should be ridden on Saturday.
"I think it suited being drawn wide and the key to getting her relaxed," Kent Jr said.
"It's huge. Bill Frost and his wife are here, they're big supporters of this stable and it's important to get a stakes win for this filly and a few boys from the (Essendon) Bombers are in it as well, including Jobe Watson."
Sporting the colours of Frost’s Pendant Equine, Annavisto was identified by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo and purchased out of Tony Pike’s stable in New Zealand after winning a trial at Te Teko in February of last year.
Born and raised at Curraghmore, Annavisto was bred by Greg Tomlinson, who remains in the ownership, she is out of the Tavistock mare, Avisto, a multiple stakes winner. -NZ Racing Desk
