After a euphoric period winning two Group 1 races, the Warrnambool trainer was left disappointed after Aloisia could only manage a sixth-placing in the $1 million VRC Oaks at Flemington.

Pinot, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, was too strong for Bring Me Roses and Hiyaam in the 2500-metre race.

It was Waterhouse’s first win in the three-year-old classic.

Purcell said Aloisia would be Sydney-bound in the autumn.

“She had to get replated before the race and got worked up. She might have jumped too well and then was caught wide,” he said.

“She’s a very good filly. She’s had a very good campaign winning the Thousand Guineas and the Moonee Valley Vase.

“We’ll give her a good break and get her ready for races in the autumn.

“I would say her main aim in the autumn would be the AJC Oaks in Sydney.”

Jockey Luke Nolen said Aloisia may not have run out a strong 2500 metres. 

“What happened pre-race, it’s never ideal and probably no good for anyone that took the shorts on her,” he said.

“We had a sound run in the race, travelled up well behind the winner then Blake Shinn (Luvaluva) rounded me before straightening and poured a bit more pressure on but we still travelled well and just when I asked her she didn’t have her normal zip.”

Purcell’s Black Sail ran second behind All Too Huiying in a $150,000 listed race.