Chris Waller believed Island Dream needed to step up to compete in higher-class races, and the filly proved him right with a strong win at Rosehill.

The homebred, by 2016 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Divine Prophet, is now set to target the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m).

Island Dream ($14) secured a one-length victory in the Ranvet Handicap (1500m), defeating the previously unbeaten Atelier ($6), with race favourite Spaceballs ($2.80) finishing third.

“She needed to step up from her maiden win, and she has,” Waller said, referring to her Hawkesbury win on February 12. “I like the way she won here; she attacked the line and keeps improving. She deserves her chance in something like the fillies feature at Kembla.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who had ridden Island Dream at the trials, was not surprised by her performance. “She quickened away really well at Hawkesbury, and up in grade, she has a good, willing attitude,” McEvoy said. “She might get further, too.”

The Kembla Grange Classic, set for March 14, will be the next target for Island Dream, who helped Waller’s stable secure three wins in the first four races at Rosehill.

In the following race, Imperial Force impressed with a dominant win, giving Bjorn Baker a double in the first five races. The three-year-old colt, a $285,000 Inglis Digital purchase by Darby Racing, showed promise in his first start for Baker after transferring from Waller’s stable.