La Dorada will chase history at Moonee Valley this weekend, as the New Zealand filly attempts to become just the third three-year-old of her sex to win the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m).

Already a Group 1 winner across the Tasman, La Dorada has raced just four times for three victories, including the lucrative Karaka Millions and the Sires’ Produce Stakes. Saturday will mark her Australian debut, where she joins fellow filly Esha in taking on the older sprinters.

Assistant trainer Ben Gleeson said the team weighed up a start in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes but opted for the Moir to avoid the big weight. “She would have carried 59-½ kilos, which is tough for any filly… so take away 9-½ kilos, we thought we would have a crack at the Group 1.”

Prepared from Cranbourne with a pair of jump outs, La Dorada has impressed track rider Laura Winks, who previously partnered Imperatriz and Bellatrix Star. “Her judgement is incredible, and she said she is more than up to the standard here,” Gleeson noted.

While the Thousand Guineas remains the long-term aim, shorter features such as the Manikato Stakes or Scarborough Stakes loom as possible spring targets. Apprentice Luke Cartwright, a rising talent within the stable, has been booked for Saturday’s ride. “We had options of other jockeys, but we chose him,” Gleeson confirmed.