The stable star Prom Queen has been a multiple stakes winner, but she has yet to race beyond 1200m while Inanna's Ruakaka performance provided a strong argument that she won't be at all troubled by more ground.
She sat outside the leader to the turn and when Sam Spratt asked her for an effort on straightening she rounded off strongly to open her winning account at her sixth appearance.
"She's a lovely filly and she's finally grown up," Rae said. "I told Sam to ride her right on the pace."
Raced by Rae and long-time stable supporter Lars Pearson, who bred the filly, Inanna had enough in reserve to hold off the late run of the favourite and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) prospect Ohceedee.
Debutant Danzdanzdance settled well back in the field and the Mastercraftsman three-year-old turned in an eye-catching finish for third.
"We've got a huge opinion of her, but she's not quite there mentally yet," said Chris Gibbs, who trains in partnership with Donna Logan.
"We'll probably put her aside now. She'll be better in the autumn."
- NZ Racing Desk
