Chris Waller’s optimism for Scarlet Oak remains high despite her spring campaign falling short of expectations, and he’s confident the filly can redeem herself this year.

After a fantastic victory in The Roses (2000m) early in her career, Scarlet Oak was the favourite for the Queensland Oaks (2200m) but disappointed, eventually being eased out of the race.

Following a poor performance in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), Waller had the filly undergo tests, revealing a neck issue.

“She wasn’t lame but we could see she just wasn’t hitting top gear,” Waller explained.

“She didn’t have a sore back so we did a scan and it showed she had a problem in her neck. She’s had lots of physio and some time off.”

“She has trialled well, just as we expected, so we believe she should be back.”

Scarlet Oak has been scratched from a benchmark race at Rosehill on Saturday and will instead contest the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m), where she’ll be joined by Hinged and Firestorm, both strong competitors in their own right.

Firestorm boasts an impressive fresh record, having won three of her four first-up runs, while Hinged will return after securing a much-needed win in the Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington last spring.

“She went to the paddock on a winning note and she’ll run a cheeky race,” Waller said of Hinged.

“Firestorm also runs very well fresh and has a good draw.”

Meanwhile, Aeliana will represent the stable in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), facing off against colt Broadsiding and the Eskimo Prince Stakes quinella of Public Attention and Linebacker.

Waller noted Aeliana wasn’t quite ready for last week’s Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and will also miss the Surround Stakes (1400m), with the Randwick Guineas (1600m) next month appearing to be a more suitable short-term goal.

“She had a late spring running in the Guineas, so she’s a bit behind the fillies who ran last week,” Waller said.

“But once she gets to a mile, look out.”