It was Walter's third win in Kembla's flagship race after the victories of Floria in 2002 and Bernicia two years ago.

Slapstick ($11) held on to win by a nose to the fast-finishing Mirrasalo ($7) with outsider Spinnawitch ($41) half a length back in third.

In-form jockey Michael Rodd, who won Saturday's Reisling Stakes aboard Military Rose, settled Slapstick midfield.

He made his move in the straight with the horse hanging on gamely for the narrowest of wins.

"She's on the way up," said Walter.

"When she drew well today and had Michael Rodd we were hopeful, but not confident, just hoping she could make the step up."

Walter said the daughter of Anabaa would next run in the Storm Queen Stakes (2000m) on April 3 or the Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) a week later.

On yesterday's performance, the AJC Oaks (2400m) on April 17 might not be out of the question.

"We'll see how she pulls up but she may run in the Oaks, that's the way she's going," Walter said, before comparing Slapstick to his previous two winners of the race.

"She's a different type. She probably lacks Bernicia's brilliance but she's probably at least the equal, if not better than Floria," he said.

"I think her potential is untapped really. She's only lightly raced and she'll probably get further."

In the past, Walter has trained standout females Spinning Hill and 2002 AJC Oaks winner Republic Lass.

The victory capped a golden weekend for Rodd who won back-to-back Group Twos at Rosehill on Saturday.

Rodd partnered Military Rose and Masquerader to victory in their respective two year-old races but will partner Beneteau in the Golden Slipper.

"It was a nice way to finish the weekend, with a cherry on top," Rodd said.

Race favourite Little Surfer Girl ($3) appeared to miss the start slightly and ran on to finish fourth.