Former Queenslander Amiche has made the perfect start for new trainer Edward Cummings with a determined victory at Rosehill.

A half-sister to Cummings’ Group 1 Queensland Oaks winner Duais, Amiche had won four of her nine starts for David Vandyke but could be a handful to deal with and her connections felt she might benefit from a change of scenery.

“I suppose on the back of getting some good results with Duais, the owners, with David in consult, suggested that she come down to us,” Cummings said.

“Different environment, she’s a bit older and a reinvigoration might do her the world of good.

“Despite a few anxious moments in the run there, it’s been a good start for her.”

Handled by Josh Parr, Amiche ($4) wore down Undeniable ($6.50) to win Saturday’s Petaluma Handicap (1100m) by a short neck with Oh Please Diana ($9) another 1-1/4 lengths in arrears.

Her victory halted the winning run of Tommy Berry, who had claimed the first three races aboard Suppression, So Say You and Shibli and was aboard $2.60 favourite Seleque, who never seriously threatened and finished fourth.

Cummings confirmed Duais had gone to the paddock after finishing down the track in the Caulfield Cup during a mixed spring that included a Cameron Handicap placing and Group 3 Coongy Cup victory.

“I was obviously disappointed with the result in the Caulfield Cup but I’m very proud of her to win so well (in the Coongy Cup) on the Wednesday prior,” Cummings said.

“There are some nice targets for her. She profiles very well for a four-year-old mare coming out of her three-year-old season in the spring and having won against older horses with big weights and still managing to run quite well.

“We’re taking a very similar view with this mare (Amiche) and trying to race her sparingly.

“As Chris Waller quite perfectly illustrated with Verry Elleegant, the more you take care of them, the more they take care of you.”