Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will look to break a 24-year drought in the Australasian Oaks this Saturday as they prepare two quality fillies for the Group 1 contest at Morphettville.

Not since Tempest Morn’s victory in 2000 has Waterhouse celebrated success in the 2000m feature, but that could change with Too Darn Lizzie and Phenom stepping out in the three-year-old fillies’ classic.

Too Darn Lizzie has put together three solid Stakes placings this prep, most recently finishing second in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes. She’s untried at 2000m, but Bott is optimistic she’ll see it out.

“Her form this time in has been excellent,” Bott said. “The 2000 metres is new territory for her, but she’s shown indications that she will handle that sort of trip and we have to take in her class as well.”

“She’s had a couple of preparations now and some grounding for it. Against her own age and sex, there’s plenty to suggest she’ll be strong late.”

Phenom brings her own credentials, having recently run third in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes after also placing in the Alexandra Stakes.

“She got a bit unbalanced on the turn but was strong through the line,” Bott said. “She’s remained in Adelaide since and seems to have handled everything well. The 2000m looks within reach.”

Blake Shinn will partner Too Darn Lizzie, while local apprentice Rochelle Milnes retains the ride on Phenom.