A return to winning form by Aliyana Tilde in the Epona Stakes at Rosehill has opened up further carnival options including the Sydney Cup.

The four-year-old's second to Streama in last year's Australian Oaks had trainer Kerry Parker dreaming of the Caulfield Cup but the mare failed to show any dash in three spring starts and was spelled.

Her second start this preparation reaped an eye-catching third behind Thy and Crafty Irna who were among her opponents in Saturday's 1900m Listed race.

Aliyana Tilde ($8.50) came from worse than midfield on the home turn to post a head victory over Epingle ($8.50) with another three-quarters of a length to Dolly Dolly ($12).

After leading the field, Thy weakened to finish sixth with Crafty Irna just behind.

"it's nice to see her back," Parker said.

"The conditions suited her and her form past a mile is super.

"We'll have a look at things now. She's nominated for the BMW next week but that might be a bit hard.

"The Chairman's over 2600 metres is a probably target and maybe the Sydney Cup.

"Two miles is a long way but I always thought she would be a stayer.

"This was the race we targeted to see where we were with her."

Aliyana Tilde has the minimum 52kg in the Sydney Cup (3200m) on April 27 and is eligible for a penalty for her Epona win.