A 2002 juvenile race is the form Greg Hickman uses to explain why he has such a high opinion of Shamardani, a winner at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

The mare is a half-sister to Helene Pillaging who finished second to Choisir in the Inglis Classic before going on to forge a prolific career in Hong Kong.

Choisir claimed a famous Royal Ascot Group One double before being bought by Coolmore Stud.

"You go back and have a look at that race and it's one of the great form races ever," Hickman said.

"I bought Shamardani for $10,000 because she was by Shamardal and he wasn't a popular sire.

"But the fact she was a half-sister to Helene Pillaging was the reason I went for her."

Hickman said the lightly-raced five-year-old has had a few issues throughout her career and has been carefully managed to win four of her 20 starts, her latest the ATC Membership Handicap (1600m) on her home track.

Well supported from $4.40 to $3.90 favourite, Shamardani came from last on the turn to beat Myamira ($15) by 1-1/4 lengths with the runner-up a short head in front of Flying Bay ($9).

Hickman said he would now look for an autumn carnival race for Shamardani.

"Unlike most of the breed she needs a dry track," he said.

"I'd like to think Randwick would suit her and I'm sure we can find a good race to get her a black-type win."