Saltcoats justified favouritism in the rescheduled Premier’s Cup Prelude at Kensington, giving connections their fourth career win with the progressive gelding.

Originally set for Randwick on Saturday, the 1800m race was the only event transferred to Wednesday’s card after the meeting was washed out.

Chris Waller’s representative Darren Beadman said it was crucial for staying prospects to gain valuable race fitness.

“You could run them in a barrier trial over 1200 but they’re not going to get the same benefit,” he said.

Third-up and stepping up from his placing in the Winter Challenge, Saltcoats ($2.60 fav) charged along the inside to score by 2¼ lengths over Glory Daze, with Salt Lake City third.

The Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) looms as his next start.

The meeting also saw apprentice Siena Grima land her first metropolitan win aboard Tazima, part of a four-victory haul for Waller.