Ninja has claimed his first Saturday metropolitan victory at Rosehill, narrowly holding off Without Peer in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m).

The gelding was a runaway winner at Kembla Grange earlier this month, but this time had to work hard after a sluggish jump before clinging to a short half-head margin.

Trainer Michael Freedman said the effort showed his promise despite the small winning margin.

“While the margin wasn’t great and we certainly wouldn’t want it over, I thought there was a lot of merit in it and he’s a horse with a future,” Freedman said.

Saturday was Ninja’s third start, with Freedman unsure how far he will press on this spring.

Meanwhile, Pippie Beach extended her strong wet-track record in The Agency Real Estate Handicap (1400m), defeating stablemate Sister Daae.

Chris Waller suggested both mares could progress further, noting Pippie Beach may target black type in the Aspiration Quality.