The ATC Australian Oaks remains the main target for stablemates Powers Of Opal and Inevitable Truth, but the duo will take different approaches to getting there.

Powers Of Opal will continue her preparation in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday, before stepping up in trip for the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) en route to the Oaks.

Her stablemate, Inevitable Truth, will attempt to enhance her credentials in Friday’s Kembla Grange Classic (1600m). Trainer John Sargent is hopeful she can emulate Luvaluva, his former stable star who won the race in 2018.

“I expect her to be very competitive on Friday because she’s come back stronger this prep,” Sargent said.

“The plan is to go from there to the Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) and then onto the Oaks.”

Inevitable Truth showed promise during the spring, running fourth in two middle-distance fillies’ races in Melbourne. She resumed this campaign with a close second over 1300m, a trip that was likely too short.

Sargent has made a minor gear change, swapping her blinkers for visors, and expects Tyler Schiller to position her well from barrier nine.

“She was run down late first-up at Kembla. She didn’t see the winner coming, so I’ve made the switch in gear,” Sargent explained.

“The barrier isn’t too bad. She should settle in the first half of the field, but I’ll leave it up to Tyler.”

Meanwhile, Powers Of Opal, a VRC Oaks runner-up, had an unlucky return in the Surround Stakes (1400m), where she was caught on the inferior section of the track after making good ground between the 400m and 200m.

Sargent is expecting a much-improved effort in her second-up run on Saturday.

“She’s taken a big step forward in the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“If she runs well in the Phar Lap Stakes, she’ll be a strong contender in the Vinery and the Oaks.”