Charm Stone has secured her first Group 1 victory, winning the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville under a flawless ride from Mark Zahra.

The I Am Invincible filly, who was purchased for $1.55 million as a yearling, has long been considered top-class, and trainer Mick Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, expressed immense satisfaction after the win. “The very pleasing thing is she’s a beautiful mare,” Price said. “It’s just very, very satisfying to get a Group One for those guys, the mare has deserved it.”

First-up since her second-place finish in the Magic Millions Cup (1300m), Charm Stone ($11) triumphed by a long neck over the three-year-old filly Ameena ($15), with Commemorative ($6.50) finishing third.

Charm Stone’s victory is even more remarkable considering she endured a year-long injury layoff after her first attempt at Group One level. “She ran in the Golden Rose, ran super, couldn’t get a run, got beat a length and a half, chipped a knee,” Price said. “We gave her all the time she needed, and to Seamus’ credit, he listens and has been patient.”

Zahra made it a memorable day, also winning the Group 1 South Australian Oaks (2000m) aboard Benagil and the Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on unbeaten gelding Legacy Bound.

Price confirmed Charm Stone would target another Group One, The Goodwood (1200m), in two weeks, alongside stablemate Reserve Bank, who won the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m).