A return to Sandown has brought out the best in the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Lady In Pink who will now be stepped up in trip for a race at Flemington.

Lady In Pink took out the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1600m) on Saturday and will head to Flemington for a 2000m test on June 8.

Saturday’s victory was a heat of the Mahogany Challenge which has a final, over 2000m, at Flemington on July 6.

Sent out the $4.40 betting app favourite under Declan Bates, Lady In Pink scored by 1-½ lengths from Some People Callme ($5) with Hydrogen Power ($5.50) a further three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

Troy Corstens said the fast early tempo suited the filly who settled nicely and showed a good turn of foot early in the straight.

“She is a filly that can get a bit wrong and over-race, but when that good tempo was on, you knew she was in a good spot,” Corstens said.

“She has been looking for the mile throughout the preparation, but unfortunately nothing had popped its head up.

“I did think about taking her up to Queensland, but with that series coming through, I thought it was a good opportunity to stay here.

“It will be nice to test her over the 2000 metres and it gives us that option to press on, or we can come back in journey.”

Lady In Pink has raced at Sandown on five occasions, registering two wins and two minor placings.

“She’s won here before and our form guy says she rates five lengths better here than she does anywhere else,” Corstens said.

“So, we were quite keen to get her back here and that’s why I ran her against the boys.

“I’m looking forward to getting her out to 2000 metres. There’s a little bit of staying blood there on the dam’s side.”

Bates said he holds no fears the filly will be a contender at 2000m when stepped up in trip.

“If she settles, like she did today, she will be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.