The plan crystallised for Elle Lou in the mud on Randwick Guineas Day, though the mare’s future is not as clear.

Once the five-year-old finished ninth in January’s Magic Millions fillies and mares race on the Gold Coast, trainer Chris Waller figured the Group Three $150,000 Aspiration Quality Handicap (1600m) was an achievable target.

The premier Sydney trainer again proved an astute judge as Elle Lou, with Glyn Schofield aboard, scored by a neck over Alegria in the penultimate race on Saturday’s card.

“It’s been a bit of a plan since she was unplaced in the Magic Millions to find this race,” Waller said.

“It means so much for mares. It’s great winning good prize money but for a mare to pick up a Group Three is very rewarding especially the way the breeding industry is going.

“It’s constantly on an upward trend, it’s a recession-proof industry so if you can get a mare, black type, Group Three at Randwick ….”

Waller credited Schofield, who earlier won the Group One Canterbury Stakes on Le Romain, for an astute ride on a heavy 10 track.

“Full credit to Glyn. He drew the outside and then came back closest to the fence and saved a lot of ground. It may have been the winning difference.”

Waller was unsure about the next step for Elle Lou ($6.90).

“It’s a big step from here to (Group One) Queen of the Turf,” he said.

“Anything else is a bonus.” – AAP