Artistry's delayed autumn campaign has begun in fine style with the mare beating her stablemate Dothraki in a photo-finish to the Group Three Maurice McCarten Stakes at Rosehill.

Trainers Peter and Paul Snowden held her back from a scheduled start a couple of weeks ago because of the extremely heavy tracks.

Although Rosehill was in the soft range on Saturday, they decided she was ready to go and she came up with the desired result under hard riding from Sam Clipperton to beat Dothraki by a half length.

"It's not her preferred ground. Being obviously fresh we thought she may get away with it and also it was 1100 metres," Paul Snowden said.

"All her form is 1200 metres and a little bit further. It was uncharted territory for her but she has come away with a win."

Snowden said the Group Two Sapphire Stakes in three weeks was a target.

"She should have kicked off a couple of weeks ago - she has been held back," he said.

"We may wait nearly three weeks to the Sapphire. We will see what happens and the weather will determine that."

Clipperton, who has been riding under contract in Hong Kong since last year, is looking forward to more fly-in fly-out opportunities at home over the rest of the Sydney carnival.

"I'm loving my time in Hong Kong but it's good to back," he said.

"I'm working very hard with my manager, getting in touch with owners and trainers and should be back for a couple of more meetings yet."