A successful hit-and-run mission to Sydney on Saturday has earned Griante a shot at Group One company.

The David Brideoake-trained mare dug deep to win the Group Three Wenona Girl Handicap (1200m) after being beaten for early speed and caught off the track.

Hugh Bowman made a decisive move to sit outside the leader and Griante ($7) took control of the race and held on to score a half-length win over fellow Victorian-trained mare I Love It ($4.60).

"I thought I was going to be four-wide with no cover but then the pace slackened and I was able to roll forward without putting all the engines on," Bowman said.

"She was tired late, I must admit, but she was quite well placed here today."

Tom Brideoake, deputising for his father, said the win had all but earned the four-year-old a ticket into the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 27.

"We will see how the dust settles and how she recovers but we'll have a look at the William Reid," Brideoake said.

"I think we will have a crack at that now."