An easing of the ground at Ashburton was instrumental in a talented mare returning to her best form.

“That’s the one thing that has been missing for Madam Victoria recently,” trainer Terri Rae said.

The daughter of High Chaparral showed her appreciation of the dead surface when she finished powerfully to add Saturday’s Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes to her record.

Madam Victoria has now won eight of her 18 starts with six of them on rain-affected going, including Listed successes in the NZB Air Freight Stakes and the Warstep Stakes during her three-year-old season.

She was back in the early running on Saturday before apprentice Racha Cuneen set the mare alight at the midway stage.

They improved around runners and Madame Victoria held a strong gallop in the straight to beat Toma Valea, who had finished a creditable last-start seventh in the Gr.1 Telegraph Handicap, and Locket.

Rae also had the favourite and former northern galloper Illuminati in the event and she finished a game fifth after making the pace.

Madam Victoria is raced by former All Black Bevan Wilson and his wife Robyn, who bred the mare from a family that features their 2005 Southern Filly of the Year title winner Royal Miss.