Back to best following spell

A SHORT break has worked wonders with promising youngster Centrefold Star.

Winner of her first two starts, Centrefold Star was runner-up at her next appearance before being found wanting during the Golden Nursery series last October.

Sent for a much-needed freshen-up, the Bronte Giorgio-trained filly returned to capture a Southern Cross heat at Globe Derby yesterday.

"It's good to have her back," Giorgio said. "She needed that break and it has done her the world of good.

"After her first three starts I stepped her up in the Nursery, but it was too hot for her and she was looking for some time off, so I took her back down to south east and gave her time to enjoy the grass.

"She's certainly taken a lot of benefit from it and she showed that yesterday."

With Michael Smith holding the reins, Centrefold Star led throughout from barrier two to complete an effortless 18-metre win from Grumpypants Gracie, with Clarenden Daybreak 32 metres away third.

"She did it easily," Giorgio said. "The pleasing part about her run is she will gain plenty from it and be better again by the Final."

Bred and owned by Peter Medhurst, the daughter of Poster Boy rated 1:56.8 - a half second slower than Hilltop Blossom in the following heat.

Trained by Victorian horsewoman Emma Stewart and driven by Wayne Hill, Hilltop Blossom also led on her way to a 26-metre triumph from Mezzanotti, with Ella Kate 11 metres away third.