Chris Waller has never subscribed to the notion Royal Descent is a non-winner and the mare has paid him back with victory in the Group Two Warwick Stakes.

She hadn't won a race since the Australian Oaks in the autumn of 2013 but not for lack of trying.

Named the best miler for 2014/15 in last week's NSW Racehorse Owners' awards for her Group One placings, Royal Descent also belied her reputation as a wet-track specialist with Saturday's meeting at Randwick on a good surface.

"She is the last horse I would call a non-winner," Waller said.

"I know that's what her form suggest but you wouldn't find a horse that tries as hard as she does.

"She has been placed in so many big races and I've never been disappointed in her.

"And she has come back stronger and looks the best she ever has at the start of a preparation."

The late scratching of early favourite First Seal on Saturday morning caused a market reshuffle with Kermadec, one of six Waller-trained runners in the Warwick Stakes (1400m), the $4.40 top pick when the race jumped.

Front runner Zaratone ($31) led the field with Hugh Bowman tucking Royal Descent ($5.50) just behind the speed and ready to make a move.

She was up out of trouble when Burbero suffered a catastrophic leg injury before the turn as he was being urged to make his move.

Rory Hutchings showed his horsemanship to get him to the outside and away from the other runners but the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding could not be saved.

His stablemate Zaratone was still in front but the swoopers came with Royal Descent getting the better of Pornichet by 1-1/2 lengths.

Messene ($11) finished another neck third while Kermadec made ground late for fifth.

Although Royal Descent has won over the 2400m of the Oaks and run fifth in a Caulfield Cup, Waller said the plan this time around will be to keep her to shorter distances.

"I will talk to (owner) Gerry Harvey but we'll aim her at the Epsom Handicap and see where we go from there, up in distance or stick to the mile and go to the Myer," he said.

"It will work itself out."

Bowman said the pace of the race was not as fast as he had anticipated but the mare adapted.

"I haven't ridden her a lot but she was in a good spot and travelling well," he said.

"She's a model of consistency and thoroughly deserves a win.

"She won an award the other night and now she's won a race so everyone's happy."