Chris Waller’s decision to ease Pinito into the autumn paid handsome returns, despite flirtations with loftier targets.

The Godolphin-owned four-year-old mare registered her breakthrough success with the superstar trainer in the Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, electing to sidestep Group 1 duties in next week’s Coolmore Classic (1500m).

“Her first-up run was excellent. We even thought about running her in a Coolmore, but she had a long time off and she was second-up, so we decided to take the easy steps,” Waller said.

Pinito, placed second behind the winner in last winter’s Queensland Oaks (2200m), posted an eye-catching fourth closing on Cinsault in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) upon her February 21 return, and Randwick delivered her first Group honour.

The trainer explained she needed settling-in period post James Cummings but is peaking, with the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill in a fortnight as a fitting aim.

“The Epona would be perfect,” he said.

“She showed good form in a Queensland Oaks as a three-year-old so if we can gradually get her up in distance that will be a good plus.”

Ridden by James McDonald, the $3.40 favourite Pinito swept from midfield to best Starphistocated ($41) by a half-length, as Polymnia ($10) trailed by an additional 1-1/4 lengths.

McDonald trusted her prior showing and concentrated on the opportune moment.

“Off the last run she showed an incredible turn of foot, so I knew it was going to be there,” McDonald said.

“It was just a matter of timing it right, and she did the rest.”

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