An extended break has done Soubrettes the world of good, according to her co-trainer Matt Brown.

The star southern mare is back in work with an upcoming trial outing to ready her for a return to racing.

“She’s done a month here and we’re very happy with her, she’s come back a much stronger mare,” said Brown, who prepares the daughter of High Chaparral with his wife Mandy.

“She’ll probably have a trial at Rangiora at the end of August and then we’ll follow the same programme as last year with her.”

Soubrettes made rapid progress last spring with two lower grade wins preceding her scintillating victory in the Gr.3 Stewards’ Stakes at Riccarton. She then took on Group One company at her sixth appearance in The Telegraph and finished a creditable fifth behind Sacred Star.

“We’ll be heading toward the Telegraph again,” Brown said. “She’s come up much better this time and, while she’s still learning the game, she’s a lot better mentally.”

Soubrettes did return to the stable in the autumn and trialled at Ashburton in March before she was sent back to the paddock.

“She did a bit of work, but she was going through a growing stage so we put her out again,” Brown said. “The owner has been very patient and the extra time has done the mare the world of good.”

Soubrettes is raced by Geoff Taylor under his Octagon Bloodstock banner. He also shares in the ownership of stablemate Tricoteuse, who hasn’t raced since she was an impressive winner at her second race day start in April.