Knapdale trainer Robin Swain unleashed The Empress at Winton yesterday, winning over a mile on debut by more than two lengths.
The Art Major filly dodged early trouble when Brent Barclay took her to the lead and she did not give her rivals a look in.
The Empress has a mix of American and Southland genetics on her pedigree page, but was foaled in Australia.
The filly is from Easton All Action, bred and sold by Tahakopa trainer Brian Norman. The mare was sold to Australia and The Empress is her first foal.
She was sold at a Melbourne yearling sale to Victorians Merv and Meg Butterworth who sent her to New Zealand.
