The decision to take a softer option with Kayjay's Joy has paid off with the mare's win at Caulfield.

Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig said he and David Hayes had entered her in next week's Group One Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide.

But they decided to kick-start her campaign in Saturday's 1100m-race for mares at Caulfield.

Ridden by Damian Lane, Kayjay's Joy ($7) scored by a half-length from Pink Perfection ($7) with Gold Heist ($61) a half-neck away third.

Dabernig said the mare had now earned herself a trip to Adelaide for the Group Three Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 21.

"We put her in the Sangster next week but we just thought with her record here at Caulfield and being first-up this was a nice race to kick her off in," Dabernig said.

"She's now earned herself a ticket to try and get some black type."

Dabernig said Kayjay's Joy had some feet issues at the end of her last campaign but has had a faultless preparation this time around.

"I think she's better this prep and her jump-outs leading into this were excellent, so we'll just see where she takes us," Dabernig said.

After the Proud Miss Stakes in Adelaide Dabernig said a trip to Brisbane could be on the cards.

"We'll enter her for a few races in Brisbane and make a decision on that after she runs in Adelaide," he said.