From the dawn of the 2000s, Roger James has consistently raided Australian Group 1 races for three-year-old fillies, and he is poised to strike again this Saturday.

With co-trainer Robert Wellwood, the Kiwi mastermind prepares to unleash Confesara in Adelaide’s $1 million Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.

The 2000m test represents the filly’s first Australian appearance, extending beyond her prior 1500m limit, yet her near-miss second to stablemate Dealt With in last Tuesday’s 1300m Cambridge trial signalled her aptitude for the journey.

“She ran second to another one of ours, a good open (class) sprinter, and they ran a very quick time, so her trial was good and it will improve her,” James said.

“She’s another filly that lacked a bit of luck at times during the season, but she’s a highly-talented filly.

“We always thought she was up to an Australian trip but we sat at home and took things quietly and her form dictated that we’re on the right path.”

James has the blueprint for conquering Australian Group 1 three-year-old fillies events, courtesy of triumphs with Sixty Seconds, Giovana, Silent Achiever independently, and subsequently Prowess and Orchestral alongside Wellwood.

Her latest race was a slender-margin but strong win in Ellerslie’s Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) on March 7.

Earlier, she ran third in the Group 3 Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), trailing by 1.6 lengths the subsequent Arrowfield Stud Stakes conqueror Belle Cheval, bolstering her record of six top-three finishes in seven starts.

When Australasian Oaks nominations shut last week, 31 were received, pitting Confesara against threats like Victorian performer Getta Good Feeling, James McDonald-steered Panova, and Strictly Business, winner of the VRC Oaks.

Discover sports betting options and racing odds for the Australasian Oaks.