Cantiamo’s win at the Kensington midweek meeting may not have been as commanding as her $1.55 quote implied, but it was enough to get her maiden victory and keep her on track for better company.

Given a patient ride by James McDonald, the filly wore down Nullarbor Jane ($4.80) in the final strides to claim the MyPlates Handicap (1150m) by a long head. Trainer Kris Lees saw merit beyond the narrow margin.

“I think there was still a bit of merit to the win,” Lees said.

“They don’t pay any more if they win by spaces, but she is a work in progress.

“She’s got a lot of improvement to come and I think she will measure up to some better races in time.”

Lees flagged the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 6 as a potential next step, subject to her recovery.

On the same card, Chris Waller produced Sixties ($2.90 fav), a full brother to Group 1 star Artorius, who romped home by seven lengths in the Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1150m), handing McDonald a winning double.

“We’ve always had a bit of time for him, he has just taken a bit longer than we thought to show it,” Waller said.

“Ticking the box of the first win is always important. I never get too far ahead of myself but I will go away a bit more excited to say, ‘OK, what can we find for you?’.“

Waller indicated a gradual step-up in class was likely, with a Saturday handicap over 1200m or 1300m the logical next move.

Those interested in the Furious Stakes can view current betting markets to assess early odds for the race.