David Hayes believes the race fitness of Gregers came to the fore in Saturday's Group Three WW Cockram Stakes at Caulfield.

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is the target for Gregers and she took another step towards the Group One race with a long-neck win over the resuming A Time For Julia and Commanding Jewel.

Gregers, an easy first-up winner at the same track two weeks earlier, started $2.15 favourite and sat outside A Time For Julia ($7.50).

Group One winner Commanding Jewel was having her first start in almost a year after injury and turned in a pleasing return, finishing strongly along the inside for a close third.

"She was tough today," Hayes said of Gregers.

Hayes said he would consider the Let's Elope Stakes in two weeks for Gregers' next start.

"But her main aim is the Rupert Clarke," Hayes said.

The Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) is at Caulfield on September 28.

Luke Nolen said A Time For Julia's effort was terrific first-up, while Commanding Jewel's co-trainer Troy Corstens was delighted with the mare's run.

"It was a great return," he said.