The winner of her first three starts, nothing much went right for the Kingman filly Zardozi at her next three. The Godolphin colour bearer put it all together in Saturday's Group II Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), with connections pondering a possible tilt at the Victoria Oaks.
Ridden by Chad Schofield for James Cummings, Zardozi finished strongly to defeat the U S Navy Flag (USA) filly Aprilia by one and a half lengths with the More Than Ready (USA) filly Amazonian Lass three-quarters of a length back in third.
"She had a wonderful start to her career with James in Sydney racking up those wins," stable representative Sean Keough said.
"After two disappointing runs up in grade, James saw that race last Sunday and thought it could get some confidence back.
"She had a good week, and James put the nomination in because she looked like a filly that is going to improve and get to a mile or further.
"It lined up beautifully, and it is super to get a win like that.
"It was a solid gallop (last Sunday), and we were mindful of that. She had a quiet enough week, and we took her out for a little hit out on Thursday and we knew she was going the right way.
"Off what she did last Sunday, we thought she would be quite competitive. Drawing barrier one again was something to think about and we also had a man on board (C Schofield) with quite a significant record on her.
"Chad knows her well; he was patient and found the gaps on her. She put them away in good style.
"She put three on the board, and I suppose James would have looked at her pedigree and earmarked race like the Oaks if she continued that form."
Zardozi is the first foal of the unraced Dubawi (IRE) mare Chanderi (GB), a 1,300,000gns purchase for Godolphin from the Highclere Stud draft at the 2017 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
Chanderi (GB) is a daughter of the Dalakhani mare Silk Sari (GB), who won the Group II Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster by five lengths and was runner-up in the Group 1 British Champion Fillies/Mares Stakes at Ascot.
Silk Sari's half-sister Dreamlike (GB) (Oasis Dream) is the dam of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young's Caulfield winner He's Our Bonneval (GB) (Siyouni).
Silk Sari (GB) is a granddaughter of the champion mare Gossamer (Sadler's Wells), a sister to former Widden Stud shuttler, Barathea (IRE).
Chanderi (GB) has a 2-year-old Lonhro colt named Adinath and a yearling colt by Exceed and Excel. She was covered by Palace Pier (GB) last spring.
Zardozi is the 72nd black-type winner for Juddmonte Farm's Kingman.
