Michael Freedman always rated Apocalyptic highly, even above Golden Slipper winner Marhoona, and the filly showed why with a sparkling return in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

A close second on debut last December, Apocalyptic was touted as a major Golden Slipper contender before a foot abscess derailed her autumn. Freedman admitted he was nervous running her first-up against seasoned rivals.

“I was hoping I didn’t end up with egg on my face running a maiden,” he said. “It might have been a blessing she went back out and has started to furnish now.”

Apocalyptic ($5) finished strongly to beat Tupakara ($12) by a half-neck, with Silver Shadow Stakes winner Savvy Hallie ($2.90 fav) close behind in third.

Jockey Tommy Berry said: “It’s hard to keep a lid on her… But it shows what we have thought of her for a very long time.”

Freedman now has his sights on the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Flight Stakes (1600m).