The Epsom Handicap will be the spring goal for Kiku after she produced a barnstorming finish to emulate former stablemate Winx by claiming the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill.
The mare snuck under the guard of punters, who sent her around as an $18 chance, but trainer Chris Waller said the stable was confident of a bold performance provided she had luck in the run.
“No surprise, but we knew we needed luck from the draw and luck includes pace in a race,” Waller said.
“There was good speed on, she got out in clear air and came with a well-timed run.
“She’s a decent horse. Barrier draws have been against her all her life really since announcing herself back in the autumn two years ago.
“It has been a long time coming to win a race like this, but we’ve always thought she’s had the ability.”
Kiku contested the Doncaster Mile in the autumn but didn’t enjoy the heavy conditions and was unplaced.
She is set to be given another chance at a feature Randwick mile this preparation with Waller confirming the Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October is on their radar.
“She’s nominated for it. We thought enough of her to run her in the Doncaster back in the autumn, but just struggled on the very wet ground,” Waller said.
“Hopefully we can get some good weather in Sydney in the next few weeks and she’ll be there.”
Jason Collett timed his finish on Kiku ($18) to perfection, the mare getting there just in time to deny Mr Mozart ($3.60 fav) by a short neck with Jamaea ($11) third, another half-neck away.
The win gave Collett a double after he claimed the staying race on Herman Hesse and he was full of praise for Kiku, who he said was aided by the good tempo.
“She got into a lovely rhythm. And her turn of foot was pretty electric,” Collett said.
Willie Pike on the favourite indicated Mr Mozart ran his race in patches but was strongest on the line.
“He’s a difficult horse to ride,” Pike said.
“I had a good spot then I lost a good spot, then he had the audacity to try and win again.”