The first of four Group 3’s at Caulfield was won by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace on Saturday as How Womantic took out the Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) in impressive fashion.

Punters came in droves for the proven three-year-old who was looking to claim her fourth win on the trot.

The lightly-raced filly resumed after winning the Chandler Macleod Gold Carat over 1200m at Moonee Valley last month and was backed into $3.90 favouritism with Ladbrokes.com.au.

Saturday’s race got off to a slow start with Saturn Socks leading in the early goings, before How Womantic went forward at the 800m mark to see out the trip.

Jockey Jye McNeil established a spot on the fence in the early goings before shifting two-wide down the straight to challenge the leading Enfleurage. The Godolphin filly by Exceed and Excel appeared to have the run of the race with Craig Williams in the saddle but ran out of steam over the final furlong to finish second.

How Womantic found the line strongly to improve her winning record to 4/4. McNeil said after the race the inside draw was the key to beating home the two Godolphin place-getters.

“I think the inside barrier was the difference for us today, had we drawn out it might have been a little bit tougher.

“She was able to hold her position comfortably and dictate, and she really fought off the challenges over the final stages,” McNeil said.

Enfleurage and Aquitaine, both trained by Cummings, also did well to finish second and third respectively.