Trainer Tommy Hughes has had to overcome negative perceptions of his mare Miss Octopussy as well as the opposition throughout much of her career.

But all turned out positive at Flemington on Saturday when the talented five-year-old cleared out for an impressive win in the Mrs Mac’s Beef Pie Sprint (1100m).

Due to a peculiarity in her action when she trots, Miss Octopussy has caused racing vets to constantly question her soundness.

After her previous run at Caulfield when she finished sixth to Psychologist, the stewards report once again noted that she had pulled up lame.

But Hughes disputes that there is anything unsound about the mare.

“I can’t blame them for thinking she could be lame,” Hughes said.

“She can be pretty scratchy at the trot, but she’s OK.”

Miss Octopussy ($3.70 fav) certainly galloped without any hindrance down the Flemington straight track, racing clear for a 2-1/4 length win over Jessica Rose ($26).

Bolisimo Miss ($9) grabbed third a further half-length away.

Miss Octopussy showed the benefit of blinkers being put back on, a move winning jockey Craig Williams said was decisive.

“I think coming to back to this race, the weight that she carried compared to the others, she is a good straight horse and probably the addition of the blinkers helped her today,” Williams said.