Samartested will not join her high-profile big sister Samaready in trainer Mick Price's spring carnival plans but the filly managed to secure a valuable city win on Wednesday.

Price believes dual Group One winner Samaready is going as well as ever building up to her spring return, while three-year-old Samartested stepped out for her city debut at Sandown in The Cove Hotel Handicap (1400m) and claimed a narrow victory.

Price said Samartested was showing signs she needed a spell.

"She's a slight filly and I don't think we can do much more with her this preparation," he said.

"She's quite different to Samaready but a metropolitan win is good and if she keeps maturing, hopefully we can do something with her."

Samartested was having her third start and backed up a maiden win at Geelong with a determined short half-head victory over Lotion on Wednesday.

"I think she needs to improve to be chasing solid black type but we've got her three-year-old year in front of her and there's a lot of opportunities," Price said.

"There's going to be a time when we certainly chase black type with her."

While Samartested is likely to head to the paddock, Price can't fault five-year-old Samaready who will resume in the Group Three How Now Stakes at Caulfield on September 20 to try to get back to winning ways.

Samaready went winless during the autumn as stablemate Lankan Rupee rose to stardom with three Group One triumphs.

Samaready could clash with Lankan Rupee in the Group One Manikato Stakes in October.

"I think she is going as good as she has ever been going," Price said.

Price said Lankan Rupee had come through Tuesday's barrier trial at Cranbourne well and the world's highest-rated sprinter will have a jump-out at Caulfield next Tuesday before his McEwen Stakes return.