Chance to break Oaks maiden

AMAZING as it sounds, record-breaking horsewoman Emma Stewart is aiming for her first New South Wales Oaks win this weekend.

Stewart has prepared a string of super fillies throughout the years, but has enjoyed little luck in the Blue Riband.

Elsewhere, Stewart has won the last three Victoria Oaks, was successful in the 2022 Queensland and South Australia Oaks, while also winning seven of the last eight Vicbred Finals and five of the last eight Breeders' Crown Finals for three-year-old fillies.

The Victorian-based trainer has managed three New South Wales Derby triumphs in the past decade!

"We're not on the Oaks board yet, but hopefully that will change on Saturday night," Stewart said.

Stewart's chance to capture the Group One rest with the stable's latest exciting youngster, Very Pretty.

Undefeated from seven starts - including last season's Two-Year-Old Breeders' Crown Final - Very Pretty earned a berth in the $200,000 classic via an impressive heat victory.

Showing tremendous gate speed to lead throughout from barrier seven, the daughter of American Ideal was never seriously challenged on her way to a 17-and-a-half metre win in 1:54.3 over 2400 metres.

Local star Lux Aeterna also led to win the second heat in 1:56.1.

Although drawn wide again in barrier six, Very Pretty is a $1.35 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, with Lux Aeterna at $6.50 from gate eight.

"She showed last week she can win from a wide draw and we can't see any reason why she won't do it again," Stewart said. "She comes into five with the emergency out and will definitely be sent forward at the start.

"We're rapt with the way she has come through the heat and she will be in peak condition for the Final."