Former New Zealand mare Role Model earned herself a return to stakes racing when she lived up to her early Australian promise with victory at Randwick.

It has taken the four-year-old almost a year to break through for trainer Gai Waterhouse but the wait could be worth it after she won as the odds-on favourite in Wednesday's Lionel Walsh Handicap (1600m).

Making her own luck from outside the leader, Role Model wore down Harry Hotspur to win by 1-1/4 lengths.

"The Aspiration Quality over a mile at Randwick looks a suitable race for her next run," stable spokesman Mark Newnham said.

Role Model made her debut for Waterhouse with a placing in last year's Keith Nolan Classic but spent 40 weeks off the scene after running last in the ATC Australian Oaks.

"She was Group-placed at her first run for us so she was perfectly placed under these conditions today," Newnham said.

The Clarry Conners-trained 2012 VRC Oaks winner Dear Demi turned in one of the most impressive of several raceday gallops on Wednesday.

With veteran Jim Cassidy in the saddle, Dear Demi worked over 1000m and brushed home in 35.3s.

"Whatever she runs in she is going to be competitive," Cassidy said.

Dear Demi will begin her autumn campaign in the Group Three Guy Walter Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday week.