Miss Roumbini’s campaign took another twist earlier this month, yet trainer Mick Price remains confident that persistence will be rewarded at Randwick on Saturday.

The five-year-old by Zoustar lines up in the $2 million The Invitation, chasing a breakthrough win this season.

Her Sydney kick-off was meant to come in the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), where she was favourite before being scratched, but Team Price–Kent report she has bounced back in style.

“She got a travel bug on the way to Sydney, but her blood picture is good now and her gallop Saturday morning was super duper,” Price said.

“She’s nice and bright. I was there during the week (last week) and she looks fantastic and I think she’ll be hard to beat.”

Barrier seven awaits in the 12-runner edition of The Invitation—potentially six if Modella doesn’t gain a start—with Adam Hyeronimus booked.

She’s proven clockwise, having claimed January’s $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m), and her Victorian form this spring is rock-solid.

Second at Caulfield twice: first behind Magic Time in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), then runner-up to Sepals in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) after missing the start.

“The time between runs I don’t think will worry her,” Price said.

“She’s that type of filly, she’s got to be looking for something to do. I think that’s fine and 1400 will be good for her. I’m looking forward to it.”

As markets settle for The Invitation, Miss Roumbini jostles for favouritism with Group 1 winner Manaal, while Group 3 The Nivison victor Gangsta Granny and Doncaster Mile heroine Stefi Magnetica headline the dangers.

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