"She may not be in front early but she should be there by halfway."
Lasqueti Spirit has had three starts this campaign highlighted by her second to Winx in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) on February 25. "That surprised us as it's the wettest track she has been on," Curtis said.
"I also have a theory, not proven yet, that she is a better horse at Randwick than she is at Rosehill which is exciting going to the Oaks."
Although she was $101 when she won the VRC Oaks, Lasqueti Spirit had run third as a two-year-old in the Fernhill Handicap won by Prized Icon, winner of the Victoria Derby a few days before her Classic triumph.
Bookmakers are taking no such risks in the Australian Oaks with Lasqueti Spirit in a group on the second line of betting at $11.
She is at $17 in the BMW with Australian Cup winner Humidor and Caulfield Cup winner Jameka the $4.20 equal favourites in first markets.
• Ohceedee is showing the benefits of a patient approach and his connections are hoping their tactics will be rewarded at Avondale today.
Part-owner and trainer Steven Cole trialled the well-related youngster at the end of last winter before putting him aside to develop.
"He's a really smart two-year-old, but he had a few maturity issues early on and went shin sore," he said.
"He wasn't going to make it to the Karaka Million so we turned him out and let time work its wonders.
"He's done well since he's been back and his trial the other day was very good. He sat three wide on the speed and kicked on well to win."
Ohceedee will make his first race day appearance in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race today.
The colt will be ridden by Alysha Collett, who has handled the son of Power in both of his trials.
- AAP, NZ Racing Desk
