The placing for Ave ($8), behind winner Tristan De Angel ($6.50) and Luciolla Belle ($11), comes just a fortnight after her runner-up result in the same event at Randwick.

The Ryans’ Roman Emperor mare made up ground from midfield to run down Lawan ($15) and snatch third place away in the dying metres.

Andrew Ryan said the Highway Handicaps have been ideal for Ave, as she bears down on the six-figure mark in prizemoney.

“She’s starting to hit the line a lot better. She’s bordering on $100,000 now which isn’t bad for a horse that’s still class 3 in the bush,” he said.

“That’s the beauty of the increase in prize money with these Highway races. It makes racing in the city quite viable.”

Ave sat sixth mid-race, two lengths away from Tristan De Angel and sitting outside of Carillon.

Jockey Eleanor Webster-Hawes had to urge Ave along a touch as the field approached the 600m but the mare responded well to begin her charge.

On the run for home Ave trailed up behind Tristan De Angel through the centre of the track as Luciolla Belle wrestled the lead away from Sugar Dance.

Tristan De Angel caught Luciolla Belle 50m out from the line to win by a length and a flying Ave was one and half further lengths away, beating rails runner Lawan by a head.

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