Jockey Winona Costin is confident Unyielding Spirit will only improve this preparation after an impressive first-up victory at Kembla Grange on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Having previously struggled on heavy ground, the stable was not confident of the mare's chances in the 1000-metres Class 1.
There was no need for concern, however, Unyielding Spirit holding off a fast-finishing Symo's Girl to prevail.
"She was great today, very good attitude and she'll improve into the prep," Costin said. "She got through a heavy track for the first time.
"She had a nice run initially, then had a little bit of interference but she was very good late."
Costin enjoyed a second win late in the day, guiding Kerr Parker's Don Luigi to victory in a 1200m BenchMark 64.
Unyielding Spirit's triumph came as stablemate Main Stage ran a gallant fifth in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup. The race was won by Annabel Neasham's Numerian, with Main Stage jockey Rachel King pleased with her runner's effort.
"He ran a super race," King said. "It was a big step up in grade, but he handled it well and didn't disgrace himself."
To read more stories, download the Illawarra Mercury news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.