Mere Fancy has handled the heavy ground to record her first win at Sandown.

Trainer John McArdle had confidence Mere Fancy would handle the heavy track conditions at Sandown but was concerned about the presence of the short-priced favourite Literary Magnate. 

Getting out wide up the Sandown straight in the Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap (1600m) on Wednesday proved beneficial for Mere Fancy who slugged it out with Literary Magnate over the final 100m. 

Ridden by Jamie Mott, Mere Fancy ($9) got the bob in to defeat the $1.85 favourite Literary Magnate by a half-head with Pick Za Beans ($17) a further 2-¾ lengths away third. 

McArdle reasoned Mere Fancy would handle the Heavy 9 track on Wednesday as the filly's dam, Tickle My, was a two-time winner under similar conditions. 

"And we thought the mile would certainly help her as well," McArdle said. 

"I know the favourite (Literary Magnate) didn't have a lot of luck, but neither did we, we were three wide the trip, but she was really tough in the finish. 

"She's a filly that isn't the finished product yet. At the top of the straight she got her head up and did a few things wrong. 

"She's had the five starts now and only missed a place once, so she's a filly that can on from here." 

McArdle said he was likely to continue on with the preparation of Mere Fancy over the winter months, especially while the tracks are wet. 

Tickle My was a versatile mare winning from 1200m to 2000m and McArdle believes Mere Fancy could replicate her dam when stepped up further than Wednesday's 1600m journey. 

McArdle has had success with the other family members and produced Eye Of The Eagle to finish second in Listed company in the Redoute's Choice Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in April. 

Mott said he has a lot of time for Mere Fancy and predicts there will be many more wins for the filly. 

"When we straightened up and came to the outside, she quickened up really nice and was tough to the line," Mott said. 

"That's always a good sign."