A simple change in Verona Rose’s feeding regimen appears to be paying off as she gears up for her biggest challenge yet on the path to the ATC Australian Oaks.

Trainer Gary Portelli had always viewed the Castelvecchio filly as a staying prospect, and after a successful debut win at Kembla Grange in November, he sent her for a spell with the prestigious classic in mind.

That plan gained momentum when Verona Rose returned with a strong first-up victory at Wyong, but her condition soon raised concerns.

“She was really tucked up and she looked like she was ready for the Oaks then,” Portelli said.

“I had to back off and change my feeding program. I got her more oats and fed the hell out of her and she bulked up really nicely.”

With a slight adjustment to her campaign, Verona Rose was given a month between runs before tackling the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m). Overcoming a wide draw, she produced a sustained effort to claim victory, keeping her unbeaten streak intact.

Now, she steps up to the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, where she will face her toughest challenge yet against the reigning VRC Oaks winner, Treasurethe Moment.

“This is obviously a massive hurdle this time,” Portelli said.

“Not only is the favourite going to be hard to beat, there are some pretty nice horses there from (Chris) Waller’s camp and that horse of Glen Thompson’s (VOBIS Platinum Guineas winner Benagil).

“This is a good test for her. It’s the strongest race she has been in but when you’re winning you can’t hide from them, you’ve got to have a go.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy has partnered Verona Rose in her last two starts and will maintain the ride on Saturday, jumping from barrier six.

Treasurethe Moment, trained by Matt Laurie, has been installed as the odds-on favourite. Making her Sydney debut, the filly has strung together six consecutive victories, most recently dominating the Kewney Stakes (1600m) field at Flemington.