Robert Smerdon has every chance of winning his second VRC Oaks in four years, and has a chance of training the trifecta in Thursday week's $1 million classic at Flemington.
In 2011, Smerdon's outstanding mare Mosheen scored easily in the Oaks and this spring the Caulfield trainer has both talent and the weight of numbers on his side. He confirmed on Sunday he would have three runners in the group 1 event.
Saturday's Moonee Valley winner Lumosty will join talented fillies Crafty and Fontein Ruby in the Oaks.
"It's a nice problem to have when you've got three runners in a group 1 million-dollar race," Smerdon said. "They all have different racing traits but the one similarity between the three could be that they all look like running the distance.
"Fontein Ruby seems so tough and yet Crafty looks like a very smart and relaxed stayer in the making."
International jockey Jamie Spencer, who rides predominantly for Crafty's connections, Qatar Racing, will take the mount in the Oaks following his fourth placing on Side Glance in the Cox Plate on Saturday.
The four days of the Flemington carnival will be made even more exciting for Smerdon with the appearance of his brilliant filly Fontiton, who was so impressive on debut at Moonee Valley.
Fontiton showed blistering early speed and shook off her rivals to win as she liked, a performance that has taken her into calculations for the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper.
Smerdon was understandably elated by the performance and says the youngster has immense maturity for a filly of such a young age.
"You know she's never had a break. This is highly unusual because she's literally come from the breakers and done a bit of educational work.
"She was all set to go back to the farm for a spell but after a jump-out here at Caulfield where she was so impressive we decided to push on with her.
"So basically she's come a long long way in a short time, but she ate up after the Valley and looked very bright, but you've got to be very careful with babies, one minute you've got them and the next you've lost them."
Smerdon said Saturday week's Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington would be the filly's next start if she continues to satisfy the stable.
