She's Poppy was making her first appearance for six months, and came with a well-timed run under Shaun McKay to beat a game Ringo, who gave the winner 7kg.
Meanwhile, Connors will try to plot different paths this winter with Max and Wise Men Say.
"I'll definitely be trying to keep them apart, but at some point they might have to clash," Connors said.
He has yet to confirm the upcoming future for Max, who has now won four of his seven starts over the big fences.
"I haven't got any immediate thoughts at the moment, but longer-term probably the Grand National," Connors said.
With Ellerslie out of action, he will make a decision on whether Wise Men Say will defend his Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) after he runs in the Irvine's McGregor Grant Steeplechase (4000m) on June 3.
"I want to see how he handles the course here at Te Rapa first," Connors said.
Max adapted with ease on Saturday and came from a long way back for rider Isaac Lupton, who has been aboard the Gallant Guru gelding in all of his jumping wins, to run down Justa Charlie with Thenamesbond taking third from Shamal.
"It was a very good effort. He got a wee way off them, but he jumped well and it's all worked out nicely," Connors said. – NZ Racing Desk.
