Cantiamo overcame a spirited challenge to score her maiden win in the MyPlates Handicap (1150m) at Kensington, keeping trainer Kris Lees’ spring hopes alive.

Sent out a $1.55 favourite, the filly, ridden by James McDonald, wore down Nullarbor Jane ($4.80) to win by a long head.

Lees said the performance was stronger than it appeared.

“They don’t pay any more if they win by spaces… she’s a work in progress… I think she will measure up to some better races in time,” he said.

A start in the Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 6 remains a possibility, depending on her recovery.

The meeting also saw Chris Waller’s Sixties ($2.90 fav) — a full brother to Group 1 sprinter Artorius — dominate his race by seven lengths.

Waller said he’d look for a gradual step-up in class, with a possible late spring target.