While admitting there was "a lot of water to pass under the bridge" winning trainer Graeme Rogerson said he'd always been aiming the daughter of Encosta de Lago toward the 2400 metre classic.

Gold Lottey was a little more forward than midfield in the 1600 metre race before race jockey Steven King sent the mare humming around the field and shoot to the lead in a move that partially surprised connections.

"I told him (King) to be aggressive," Rogerson reported after the race. "But I didn't think he'd take it that far," he added with a wry smile.

Gold Lottey, who was a Group One placegetter in the South Australian Oaks in May, was having her second start this preparation following a fair first up ninth at Caulfield a fortnight earlier.

"She's always been nominated for the (Caulfield) Cup, but we basically needed her to come out and show that she was worthy of heading in that direction," Rogerson said.

"Gold Lottey is a very tough mare," he said of the galloper who contest Oaks races at Flemington, Moonee Valley, Eagle Farm and Morphettville last year.

"She has done a good job and she deserved to win a big one," Rogerson added.

Gold Lottey, who is from the former top class racemare Lottey, was already a Group winner prior to the weekend.

Her first Group win came in the The Vanity (G3) at Flemington. She has also placed in the Wakeful Stakes (G2), Kewney Stakes (G2) and Moonee Valley Oaks (G2).

With her win on Saturday Gold Lottey earned her 13th placing from just start number 22, and sent her prizemoney to over $475,000.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

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