Secret Liaison, who has been absent from the winner’s circle for longer than expected, put her best foot forward, on Saturday, to defeat Koe in the Printhouse Handicap.

Her form had been a bit ordinary of late and there may have been some excuses, a freshen up has been the answer, she has returned to the stable much brighter and eager to race.

There are no plans for her; she will take races as they come along, similar to her Moonee Valley win would be ideal.

Her win was better than it looked; she had a lot of ground to make up in the latter stages of the race and didn’t look a real threat until halfway down the straight.

Koe, whose racing has been confined to country tracks, where she was won four times, turned in a nice run; she was looking all over a winner until Secret Liaison appeared on the scene.

Champagne Ruby continues to show promise, she was running on nicely, a lightly raced mare, she was not far away, over the Flemington carnival, when finishing fourth to Kasane.

Greg Eurell is sure to place her to advantage, there are suitable races about, we may not have long to wait.

Secret Liaison riden by Damian Lane