Trainer Luke Price admitted pre-race Liveinthefastlane had "a couple of lengths left in the locker", but she still did enough to qualify for the Provincial Championships final.
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The five-year-old mare jumped from the widest gate and endured a difficult run throughout, but fought gamely for third in the Kembla Grange qualifier on Saturday.
Newcastle's Paul Perry booked his ticket with La Jolie Fille, with Darleb, one of Kris Lees' seven runners, finishing second to also advance.
"I got stuck out three wide outside the leaders, but I just tried to keep a really nice rhythm, we're going a really nice tempo," jockey Jess Taylor said of her ride on La Jolie Fille.
"I actually gave her a squeeze at the 600 and she gave me a really nice tow and I probably got there a little too soon, but gee she's tough,
"I couldn't believe it, I kept waiting for them to come and swamp me, but she just kept giving and giving
"It's a credit to the Perrys and to the staff, she's a tricky filly, but if you just leave her alone she'll give you everything.
"I think the confidence (Class 1) win at Quirindi (in February) is what she needed, it took her ahead in leaps and bounds."
Price had Liveinthefastlane set for the heat scheduled last month, which was moved to Goulburn and then postponed anyway due to heavy rain.
Leading Kembla Grange trainer Gwenda Markwell missed out with Stolen Glance, who trailed off in the straight, but still has a contender for April 17 in Gemmahra, who won the Hawkesbury qualifier.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
