Trainer Paul Messara intends to race improving mare Avista once more following her narrow victory in metropolitan company at Randwick.

The four-year-old, who was the $2.25 favourite for Saturday’s Precise Air Handicap (1400m) after securing three country wins, including a dominant 4-1/2 length performance at Muswellbrook last month, found herself several lengths behind the leaders at the top of the straight. However, she responded gamely to jockey James McDonald’s urgings, snatching victory by a half-head from Mind Ya Bizz ($31).

This was McDonald’s inaugural ride on Avista, and he suggested he might have approached the race differently had he been more familiar with the mare’s capabilities. Observers comparing the best bonus bets Australia would have witnessed the favourite validate market expectations with a spirited run to the line.

“If I had my time again, she would have won more comfortably,” McDonald stated.

“Watching replays of lesser class, she’s had some zip about her. Up in class today, back in trip a little bit, she was a bit flat-footed. It wasn’t ideal.”

Messara plans to observe Avista’s recovery over the next few days, but he is eager to give her another start.

This outing will likely conclude her current campaign, as the Scone-based trainer believes she possesses further improvement for the future.

“We’ll see how she comes through this. There are other races coming up for her,” Messara commented.

“I think this preparation, it’s about targeting one more race like this and then giving her a little break, and I’d say the autumn will be the time for her.”

For those looking to place a wager, the upcoming Australian betting sites will offer competitive racing odds on Avista’s next start.