Trainer Chris Waller has called this year’s Australian Oaks a clash of queens as elite three-year-old fillies from both Australia and New Zealand prepare to face off.

While Waller opted against backing up Aeliana after her dominant Australian Derby win, he will instead be represented by Leica Lucy and Belle Detelle in Saturday’s Randwick classic.

They’ll take on hot favourite Treasurethe Moment, winner of the VRC Oaks and a rising star with seven straight victories to her name.

Waller is confident in Leica Lucy’s credentials, with the former Kiwi having captured six of her seven career starts, including the New Zealand Oaks before joining his stable.

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

Treasurethe Moment holds top spot in the betting, with Leica Lucy positioned as the main challenger at $5.

Previously trained by Robbie Patterson, Leica Lucy has been in work since November, and Waller admitted managing her condition 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.”

Only two fillies—Bonneval in 2017 and Pennyweka in 2023—have completed the rare double of New Zealand Oaks and ATC Oaks victories.

Waller also sends out Belle Detelle, a blood relative of Verry Elleegant, who won the Adrian Knox Stakes last week and looks well placed on the quick turnaround.

Verry Elleegant won the Oaks in 2019, and Belle Detelle could be the next to uphold that legacy.

Aeliana has been sent for a spell with her connections turning their attention to an ambitious spring campaign.