James Winks bounced the Denman filly Merriest straight to the front and was never headed when making a sparkling career debut in Saturday's The Cove Hotel Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield.
Solidly backed after showing ability on the track at home, Merriest came clear over the closing stages to defeat Phoenix Rising (Fastnet Rock) by two and quarter lengths with Vintage Quartz (Wanted) a half-length back in third.
Another first starter, Fromparis Withlove (Smart Missile) clocked in eighth but she had no luck after looking to have plenty to offer and may be one to follow.
Winning trainer Danny O'Brien believes Merriest is up to stakes class.
"She did everything right, she's a real sweetheart of a filly, O'Brien said.
"She's a big, strong girl. Barry and Jean (McRostie) picked her out at the Magic Millions Yearling sale last year, they had to have it and I'm glad they bought it.
"She looks more like a colt, a big well developed sought of filly.
"She showed a bit before Christmas but she probably wasn't quite ready. Now she's been ready to go to the races for three or four weeks.
"We took her to Werribee a fortnight ago, she trialled very well there.
"I think she is very smart; she certainly looks stakes class on what she's done at home. That was a pretty dominant win.
"We will probably give her one more. There is a race down the straight at Flemington in a fortnight. I would like her to have a look at the straight then we will give her a chance in the spring."
Bred and offered by Newhaven Park at the 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale, Merriest was knocked down to Barry and Jan McRostie for $210,000.
That made the daughter of Denman (pictured) the most expensive filly of the year by her sire.
She is the third foal and third winner out of the Melbourne winning Canny Lad mare Merrier a granddaughter of the top-class mare Scomeld (Scotian) whose 12 wins included the Group 1 VRC Oaks and is the dam of Group III Sweet Embrace Stakes winner and Group I Australasian Oaks third Scollata (Rancher).
Also the dam of the very promising Nicconi filly Festivity, Merrier has not had the best of luck in the breeding barn of late.
Her 2014 foal by Delago Deluxe was born dead and she missed when bred back to the same stallion that year. She was covered by the dual Group 1 winning son of Encosta de Lago again last spring.
