Millie De Lune missed her shot at the Queensland Oaks, but trainer Matthew Smith is hoping she can still play a role in the winter carnival with another strong showing at Randwick on Saturday.

While the Group 1 Oaks was the initial target, a lack of prizemoney prevented the filly from making the field. Instead, she rebounded with a strong win over 2000m at Randwick on June 7 and now steps into the Elite Sand & Soil Handicap (1800m) this weekend.

“We didn’t quite get to the Oaks,” Smith said. “The Randwick race was a good option and this race, I probably don’t jump them up in grade that often this quickly, but it fits in perfectly with her preparation in our off season.

“She is fit and well so we thought we’d give it a shot.”

With two wins from nine starts, Millie De Lune drops slightly in distance and takes on older, more seasoned horses, but Smith is optimistic about her development. A bold showing could set up a trip north for the Group 3 Winx Guineas on July 5 at the Sunshine Coast.

“If she won on Saturday she could go to Queensland for the Sunshine Coast Guineas,” Smith said. “Otherwise, we will chip our way through the grades and get her up to 2400 metres.”

Smith will also saddle up Astero in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) after gaining a run due to early scratchings, and Time Quest resumes in the Switzerland @ Coolmore Handicap (1200m).

“He was in at Ipswich as well but he will stay here and run from the better gate,” Smith said of Astero. “His first two runs were excellent and his run the other day was good. He hasn’t been beaten far in any of them.”

With Millie De Lune on a potential path to the Winx Guineas and Astero shaping as a value play in the Civic Stakes, check the best betting sites Australia to find top odds and offers from the leading bookmakers and betting apps.