James McDonald has geared up for his ride on Saturday's Cox Plate favourite It's A Dundeel with a Group Two victory on Oaks-bound Gypsy Diamond at Moonee Valley.

McDonald continued his recent good form as he piloted the John O'Shea-trained Gypsy Diamond to a long neck win over favourite Gregers in Friday night's Group Two Fillies Classic (1600m).

Gypsy Diamond's first stakes success confirmed the daughter of Not A Single Doubt was on target for the Group One VRC Oaks (2500m) on November 7 via the Wakeful Stakes (2000m).

McDonald has no doubts Gypsy Diamond is a genuine Oaks contender.

"From when we started educating her she was always going to be our Oaks filly," McDonald said.

"She had a couple of nice races in Sydney before coming to Melbourne. John has set her for one race and she's peaking at the right time."

Gypsy Diamond settled third on the fence and tracked the leader Gregers through the run.

Gregers kicked around the turn but Gypsy Diamond set out after her after balancing up and she was strongest on the line as that pair cleared out by four lengths on third-placed Lady Tatia.

"She's coming right at the right time and she was strong late today," O'Shea said.

"We've been mindful that this has been her goal and we can't dance every dance. We've just brought her along steadily with the view to having her right at this time of year and she's thrived since she's been in Melbourne."

In the other fillies' race on Friday night, the Anthony Freedman-trained Minaj overcame a wide barrier to score a tough all-the-way win in the Listed Crockett Stakes (1200m).

Minaj will head to a sprint race at Flemington on Oaks day.