The Group One Australasian Oaks is in the sights of trainer Mick Kent after filly Scratchy Bottom proved a class above her rivals in the opener at Caulfield on Saturday.

The three-year-old was slow away in the Robert Hunter Handicap (1400m) and trailed the field to the home turn before jockey Michael Rodd navigated her into the clear at the 200m mark and she sprinted past her opposition for a soft win.

Scratchy Bottom, resuming from a spell and in only her third start, firmed from $5 to $4.20 favourite and defeated Mambo Lady ($20) by three-quarters of a length with the same margin to Mamwaazel ($6.50) third.

Rodd labelled Scratchy Bottom “a nice Oaks filly” and Kent is looking to aim the daughter of Sebring at the Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide in late April.

He hasn’t ruled out running her in the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 1 at Flemington but her next start will be in the Group Three Vanity (1400m) on February 15.

Scratchy Bottom was an impressive debut maiden winner at Moonee Valley last preparation before finishing fourth to Gypsy Diamond in the Group Two Fillies Classic (1600m) in October at same track.

“I was actually disappointed in her run in the Group Two at Moonee Valley but she pulled up a bit jaded and had probably had enough,” Kent said.

“She’s had a nice break and has come back well.”

Kent is convinced the filly has plenty of upside and is impressed by the way she finishes strongly in her races and trackwork.

“I think she has got a fair bit more to come,” he said.

“She’s still pretty green and raw. I like her a lot.”

The win for Rodd came on his only ride for the day.