There is a hint of patriotism in New Zealand trainer Roydon Bergerson's belated quest to win one of Australia's most prestigious classic races.

Five days after fellow New Zealand trainer Murray Baker won the ATC Australian Derby with Mongolian Khan, Bergerson will chase an Australian Oaks victory with Savaria.

But it isn't just Monday's reminder of his home country's staying prowess that has given Bergerson a confidence boost heading to Randwick on Saturday.

"Kiwis always do pretty well over here don't they?" Bergerson said.

"Except the cricketers."

And he's right.

While the New Zealanders were humbled by Australia in the recent ICC Cricket World Cup Final, its trainers and horses invariably feature in Sydney's three-year-old Classics.

Mongolian Khan continued that tradition when he gave Baker his third Australian Derby win in seven years.

Another kiwi, Volkstok'n'barrell, finished third in the race after proving superior in the Rosehill Guineas.

And New Zealand fillies Rising Romance and Lucia Valentina finished first and third in last year's Oaks, five years after Daffodil upstaged the locals.

But perhaps more important for Savaria will be the influence of yet another New Zealander.

James McDonald, the form jockey of The Championships, will ride her in the Oaks having had his first sit on the filly during a light exercise session at Randwick on Thursday morning.

It was first time Savaria had stretched her legs on Australian soil after arriving on an overnight flight.

The winner of half of her six starts including the NZ Oaks, Savaria is being treated cautiously by bookmakers who have marked her at $8.

But chasing a second classic in Sydney wasn't always in Bergerson's plans.

"We hadn't even nominated for this race," he said.

"The owner won some money off her in the Oaks and he said just nominate her and if she does all right in the next couple of weeks we will take her to Sydney.

"She's surprised me actually. She's done so well and she just keeps stepping up to the plate."

The Chris Waller-trained Winx is favourite for the 2400-metre race, ahead of Victorian Fenway who will need to pass a fitness test on Friday to confirm her place.

The Vinery Stud Stakes winner missed a gallop on Wednesday after she was found to have a pulse in her near fore hoof.