A month-long wait was worthwhile for connections of Cathay Lady as the mare continued her affinity with the Canterbury track to claim a third straight win.

The John Sargent-trained Cathay Lady posted back-to-back victories at Friday night meetings last month before a decision was made to wait for a rare Saturday program at the same venue.

Cathay Lady took full advantage of being on her favourite track, fighting back after being headed by Havana Rey to take out the Tab.com.au Handicap (1550m).

"After her last win I said to John, `it's a month between runs but why not wait and go where she's been racing so well'," Sargent's Sydney stable foreman Andrew Carston said.

"She loves it here and we'll keep coming back."

Cathay Lady ($5) defeated Havana Rey ($5.50) by a half-neck with 1-1/4 lengths to favourite Mecir ($2.80) third.

"I was a bit concerned when Havana Rey went past her but I know she's a tough mare and loves a fight," Carston said.

"She's as tough as old boots and Blake Shinn knows her well now and knows her strengths."

Shinn said Cathay Lady's racing style on the speed was suited to Canterbury and believes the mare has the potential to sneek some black type.

"Full credit to John Sargent and Andrew (Carston), this race was a month in the planning," Shinn said.

Bjorn Baker is confident Havana Rey will improve from the run as he was only second-up.

"I thought going in he was still half a run short," Baker said.

"He looked like winning and just got a bit tired the last bit, but he'll win races this time in."