Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams did not consider Wrote To Arataki a stakes winning mare, or one that would be capable of winning when leading.

That was six months ago, but now she is both after leading throughout to claim the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Saturday.

Given an easy time in front under Jamie Kah, Wrote To Arataki, the $3.20 Unibet favourite, held off a determined Belle Et Riche ($5.50) to win by a long neck with Forbidden City ($16) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.

“It is a fair transition that she has made,” Williams said.

“You get horses sometimes that can take that step when they get a bit of confidence out of winning.

“She is relaxing better on race day. She always had ability, we knew it was there, but to be winning a Group 3 mare’s race, I didn’t think that would be happening six months ago.

“We’re rapt to have it now.”

Williams was high in praise for Kah who has rated the mare to perfection in front at her past two starts.

He said the leading jockey has a canny act of getting horses to flow in their races.

“I don’t know what it is, but it happens,” Williams said.

“We don’t give her any instructions, we’ll say to her ‘you ride her how you find her’.

“Six months ago, I wouldn’t think she could lead and win a race, but she’s done it in her last two starts and a pat on the back for Jamie there.”

The Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 18 or the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Sandown on February 25 may be next on the agenda for Wrote To Arataki.

However, Williams said he would speak to Kah to ascertain whether the mare may stretch out further.

“I thought today we had her as good as we could possibly have her,” Williams said.

“We backed off her after her last win at Flemington and resisted the temptation of another Flemington run a fortnight later for this race.

“We’ll see what we can hold her together for, but she’s done a great job.”