Trainer Pam Gerard never imagined Dubai Goldrush would contest the Australian Oaks when nominations opened. Back then, the filly had yet to win a race and expectations were modest.

“When the ‘noms’ were first put out she hadn’t even won a maiden so we never even thought about it,” Gerard said of a Sydney Oaks bid.

“But we knew she had a lot of ability there. We thought she may have been more a Brisbane type of filly but she improved so sharply and so quickly.”

After finishing a game second to Leica Lucy in the New Zealand Oaks, Dubai Goldrush earned her spot in the Australian classic with connections opting for a late entry.

“They tell us in New Zealand that (New Zealand Oaks winner) Leica Lucy is pretty much a superstar and she gave it a pretty good fright. She has come through the race really well so we chucked in a late nomination and thought, we’ll have a go at Sydney.”

Gerard sees this race as a true test, especially against the likes of the highly rated Treasurethe Moment and former rival Leica Lucy.

“Leica Lucy had a pretty long season at home. We were there at Trentham when she beat us and she was out on her feet that day, she gave it everything and was so tough,” Gerard said.

“Whether she (Leica Lucy) can turn around and change stables and handle everything different go on with her and do it again, I’m not sure, I’m not involved with her. But if we can beat her I’ll be super happy.”

Gerard has been impressed with Treasurethe Moment’s presence at Randwick. “She looks gorgeous and obviously she is one out of the box. If we can get close to her we’d be happy,” Gerard said.

“Obviously, you’ve got some horrifically good ones here at the moment so it’s pretty scary,” she said. “But if we can get out there and run a nice race and be thereabouts, she is only going to improve as a four-year-old.”