Waller sees a lot to Leica about NZ filly in Australian Oaks

The 2024 Australian Oaks is shaping up as a blockbuster with Chris Waller calling it a “clash of the queens” as elite fillies from both sides of the Tasman prepare to go head-to-head.

Waller has opted not to run Aeliana again after her dominant Derby performance, instead relying on Leica Lucy and Belle Detelle to fly the stable flag at Randwick.

They’ll take on the formidable Treasurethe Moment, trained by Matt Laurie, who is unbeaten in seven starts including the VRC Oaks.

Leica Lucy, who arrived from New Zealand after taking out the New Zealand Oaks, brings an equally strong record of six wins from seven starts.

“It’s the New Zealand queen running against the Australian queen, without Aeliana. It’s a good race,” Waller said.

Treasurethe Moment is a short-priced favourite, but Leica Lucy is considered the main threat at $5.

Leica Lucy began her campaign back in November under Robbie Patterson and Waller admitted conditioning her for one final peak run has been a challenge.

“It is never easy getting these New Zealand horses towards the end of their campaign,” he said.

“New Zealand is a little bit different. They don’t have a gap like we do. They have more late-spring racing, summer racing and then the autumn racing is almost non-existent.

“We have done the best we can to keep her ticking over, nothing special. She has put on a bit of weight since arriving and James McDonald rides. There is a lot in her favour.”

History shows it’s a tough double to complete—only two fillies, Bonneval and Pennyweka, have achieved the NZ-AUS Oaks double in the last decade.

Waller’s other contender, Belle Detelle, a close relative of Verry Elleegant, will take her place in the field following a solid Adrian Knox Stakes victory last weekend.

In 2019, Verry Elleegant won the Oaks, and Belle Detelle will attempt to follow that path.

Meanwhile, Aeliana has been spelled to target a fresh spring campaign after her breakout Derby win.