Trainer Grahame Begg has set his sights on the Group 1 Australasian Oaks for Cilacap and is considering a less traditional path to the race.

The Australasian Oaks (2000m) is scheduled for Morphettville on April 26, with the usual preparation involving races like the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 29 or the Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville on April 12.

However, Begg is exploring alternative options for Cilacap, including a potential run in a Group 3 race at Caulfield against older horses.

Cilacap has won three of her five starts so far, with her only unplaced run coming in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 8.

Begg has entered Cilacap in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday as a lead-up to a possible start in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 5.

The Easter Cup is not a typical race for three-year-olds, especially fillies, during this time of year with the Sydney Carnival in full swing. However, Begg believes it could be a suitable option.

Begg prefers to make just one trip to Adelaide with Cilacap for the Australasian Oaks.

“I’ve nominated her for Saturday, and I’m considering the Easter Cup afterward, as it might attract a smaller field,” Begg said.

“If we go for the Auraria Stakes, it means a trip to Adelaide and back, and then we’d have to do it all over again, which doesn’t make much sense.

“The Easter Cup also allows for an extra week of recovery and gives her a run at 2000 metres.

“I thought it might be worth trying something different, thinking outside the box.

“Not many three-year-olds, let alone fillies, have run in the Easter Cup, so it’s just an idea I’m considering. The Australasian Oaks remains the main goal.

“We’ll see how she performs on Saturday and make a decision from there.”