The Kris Lees-trained Invincible Gem took the rise to weight-for-age conditions in her stride when a convincing winner of Saturday's Group II Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Invincible Gem ($6.50), ridden by Corey Brown, pounced from back in the field to claim a 1-1/4 length victory over more fancied stablemate Le Romain ($1.95 fav) while Brett Cavanough's The Monstar ($8.50) finished another half neck away third.
The newly-turned four-year-old mare was poorly weighted in the event but showed she can make the traditionally difficult transition to top class open company.
Considering the daughter of I Am Invincible progressed from maiden status to runner-up in the Group I Randwick Guineas (1600m) during last preparation, it was not surprising to see her odds firm from $9 into $6.50 on course.
"You never know how these three-year-old fillies are going to come back in the early spring but she's come back in terrific order," Lees said.
"She's been doing all her work with Le Romain at home – he's probably worked a little better than her – but she's a high-quality mare now.
"Last preparation she just kept surprising, I kept looking for a reason to spell her but she just kept raising the bar."
Lees said the Group II Golden Pendant (1400m) on September 23 at Rosehill remains Invincible Gem's initial target of the preparation before a potential trip to Melbourne for the Group I Myer Classic (1600m).
As for the odds-on favourite Le Romain, Lees was not perturbed by the defeat.
"He was exposed the whole way which was always a chance of happening. He probably just tired the last 50m but he's in for a good preparation," Lees said.
Online bookmaker Sportsbet left Le Romain's early quote for The Everest (1200m) at $21.
