Shohisha’s connections never aimed specifically for a second-up slot in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic, though it stands to be advantageous provided she echoes her earlier successes.

Three victories from four second-up efforts adorn the resume of the four-year-old, who has put a trivial injury behind her as trainer David Payne declares her ideally placed for Saturday at Rosehill Gardens.

“She had a few setbacks along the way so that held us back a little bit,” Payne said.

“She just kicked the box. Nothing serious, but once you treat them you can’t run them.

“We’re very happy with her. She is spot-on for Saturday.”

A quartet of wins highlights her record, with Shohisha resuming to claim fourth behind Saturday’s Coolmore Classic (1500m) competitor Verona Rose in the February 28 Guy Walter Stakes (1500m).

She carries 4kg less than that opponent this time while starting from barrier six in midfield.

The trainer went close to Coolmore Classic glory via Gallant Tess’s third to Typhoon Tracy in 2009 and is aware running luck holds the key for his hopeful.

“I think she will be competitive. We’re going in happy with her, but in racing, you always need luck in running so hopefully it goes our way,” he said.

“We have been patient with her. We haven’t pushed her. We’ve just let her mature a bit because she was a light-framed baby.”

Payne also saddles Persian Wonder in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), positioning it as a launchpad for mile features down the track in the carnival.

“I doubt he could win that over 1200, but he will be running on strongly. They just might be a bit sharp for him,” Payne said.

“He needs racing because he will be more effective over 1600 metres in those kind of races like the Fernhill Handicap or the Champagne Stakes.”

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