The Wayne Oakenfull-trained mare stormed down the straight to take out the Country Championship Day - March 12 Maiden Handicap (1200m).

The four-year-old had been knocking  at the door.

Out of her five previous starts she’d twice finished second.

Oakenfull said he didn’t change anything with his galloper. 

The company was probably a bit easier than what she’s been racing.

He said Lynch did an outstanding job.

“The plan was exactly what happened,” he said.

That was to sit just off the pace and then take them on coming into the final turn.

She was challenging on straightening, Oakenfull said.

Magestic Dane set the pace for most of the race, with Alberta Rose on his heels.

Alberta Rose came up to him rounding the bend and not long after Perfect Star joined them.

She hit the front with about 300m to go and was too strong, powering to a three-and-a-quarter length win over Insistent.

Oakenfull said once she got to the lead he didn’t think she’d lose.

“She races that way but she does need further,” he said.

He reckons about 2000m.

Yesterday was a stepping stone to getting up to that.

Alberta Rose managed to hold on for third, finishing just three-quarters of a length off Insistent.