CANTERBURY, July 21, 2010 - Trainer Kris Lees was excited by the Canterbury win on Wednesday by the imported mare Aromatic.

The five-year-old daughter of Medicean was having her third Australian start after being purchased by renowned bloodstock agent Kieran Moore on behalf of Rob Ferguson and the victory is a “great launching pad” according to Lees

“She works like a good stayer,” Lees said. “I'm not in a rush with her and I'll just keep taking her along and see how far we get this prep.

“I'll probably look for a Saturday race for her now but she's going to furnish into a nice mare next prep and maybe a race like the Newcastle Cup won't be beyond her.”

Having her first Australian start past the mile, Aromatic was sent straight to the front by Tommy Berry and she was never in danger of defeat shooting well clear in the straight before Berry took his foot off the accelerator over the final 100 metres.

“From what I see at home that performance is no surprise but I was concerned about the heavy track today,” Lees said. “She went horribly last time on the Kenso but they can struggle there and get through the heavy at other venues.

“That win gives us great launching pad to go forward with her because as is the case with most of these imported horses she is only going to get better as she acclimatises in Australia.”

Aromatic ($16) defeated The Warrior Woman ($3.60 fav) by 1-1/4 lengths with Ausbred Gold ($8) a half length back in third.