It wasn’t a calculated decision for Shohisha’s owners to have her contest the Group 1 Coolmore Classic second-up, but history suggests it could pay dividends if she recreates her prior efforts.

The four-year-old mare has triumphed in three of four second-up assignments and, post a minor problem, David Payne is satisfied she is set to hit top form at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

“She had a few setbacks along the way so that held us back a little bit,” Payne said.

“She just kicked the box. Nothing serious, but once you treat them you can’t run them.

“We’re very happy with her. She is spot-on for Saturday.”

Having won four races in total, Shohisha came back firing with fourth to her Coolmore Classic (1500m) adversary Verona Rose in the Guy Walter Stakes (1500m) back on February 28.

At the weights, she receives 4kg from that mare and has barrier six, allowing a midfield beginning.

Payne’s narrowest miss in the Coolmore Classic was Gallant Tess taking third behind Typhoon Tracy in 2009, understanding that race luck will determine Shohisha’s chances.

“I think she will be competitive. We’re going in happy with her, but in racing, you always need luck in running so hopefully it goes our way,” he said.

“We have been patient with her. We haven’t pushed her. We’ve just let her mature a bit because she was a light-framed baby.”

In addition, the veteran conditioner lines up Persian Wonder in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), aiming for it to build towards mile targets in the upcoming carnival.

“I doubt he could win that over 1200, but he will be running on strongly. They just might be a bit sharp for him,” Payne said.

“He needs racing because he will be more effective over 1600 metres in those kind of races like the Fernhill Handicap or the Champagne Stakes.”

Don’t miss the betting markets for the race at trusted betting sites for the Coolmore Classic.