A quick back-up has brought out the best in the Group performer Platinum Command.

The Red Giant mare had been in indifferent form this preparation, but turned her fortunes around at Trentham on Saturday with a defeat of the short-priced favourite Art Deco in the IRT North Island Challenge Stakes (1400m).

“She had been a bit disappointing in her last couple of starts,” trainer Lisa Latta said.

“At Awapuni, she over-raced so I told Masa (Tanaka) to ride her where she was happy. She was dropping back to 1400m, but it’s like going a mile out there today.”

Tanaka had Platinum Command, who has placings in the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) and the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) on her CV, in third spot on the fence before he angled away from the rail before the turn.

Art Deco, with a four kilo pull in the weights, was in front but couldn’t hold out the determined Platinum Command in the closing stages.

“I followed Art Deco all the way and it took a while to catch her, but my mare finished really well,” Tanaka said.

A six-year-old, Platinum Command has now won nine races with three of them at Trentham and a history of handling heavily rain-affected ground.

“She’s performed really well today. She loves Wellington and wet tracks – she’s back to her best,” Tanaka said.

Art Deco was brave in testing conditions and she will head north to Tauranga to make her next appearance in the Listed Woburn Farm Classic (1400m) on June 23.

Video replay: Platinum Command winning the IRT North Island Challenge Stakes (1400m)