First-up specialist Shamal Wind is primed to give her new owners an immediate return on their investment in the Carlyon Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The mare kicks off her final racing season in the Listed Carlyon Stakes with trainer Robert Smerdon confident she is going every bit as well as any previous preparation.

Her jockey Craig Williams will be wearing the red and white colours of her new owners Rob and Donna Love who plan to breed from her next year.

“The people that own her now are Rob and Donna Love. They were the main owners of Belle Couture, Black Caviar’s half-sister,” Smerdon said.

“She will race in the spring and again in the autumn and then she’ll breed next year.

“Her previous owner wasn’t a breeder so when the opportunity to sell her came up he took the opportunity.”

Belle Couture was retired last month due to injury after a four-start career which netted one win. Shamal Wind has won six races so far from her 17 starts.

She claimed the Listed WJ Adams Stakes first-up at Caulfield last campaign and Smerdon said she was on target to maintain her winning record when fresh.

She has never been beaten first-up from four attempts and also has an unbeaten record at 1000m.

“I think this level is a good level for her,” Smerdon said.

“She took on the Oakleigh Plate in the autumn and was outpointed but at this level and distance she’s pretty effective.

“Of course it gets harder each preparation to win first-up going up in grade but she is unbeaten first-up and at the distance.

“She’s in good shape and she’s been going well.”

Smerdon said Shamal Wind would have her sprint races spaced during the spring, building up to Melbourne Cup week at Flemington where the options include the Group Two Yellowglen Stakes (1200m) and the Group Three G H Mumm Stakes (1100m).

Kencella, who is having his first start for the Chris Waller stable, is edging Shamal Wind for favouritism with the TAB at $4 to her $4.20.