Jockey Dale Smith pleaded his case to regain the ride on Mandla at Flemington and then didn't let trainer Mick Price down by steering the sprinter to victory.

"I actually had C Newitt engaged but I got a massive protest from D Smith," Price said.

Part of Smith's case in a text message to the trainer was that he had been unbeaten on the mare from three rides.

Smith has a long association with the Price stable and had won on Mandla in his final start last preparation and in his first two runs this time in.

Apprentice Jamie Kah took over last start when second to Decircles at Flemington over 1410m.

"I've got to thank Mick for listening," Smith said after Saturday's Lawn Handicap.

"I'm not one for whingeing but I just had to state my case and suggest we keep the strike-rate going.

"Now it's four from four on him. And he's got a lot of upside."

Mandla ($4.60), back in trip off a freshen-up, travelled well on speed in the 1200m straight-track sprint and kicked strongly passing the 300m.

Tackleberry ($4.40), who finished wide out on the course, got within a neck of Mandla on the line with a length further back to Tigerland ($10) third.