Trainer John Sadler is banking on Bengal Cat's residual fitness as the lightly raced filly prepares for a tilt at the VRC Oaks.

A veteran of four race starts, Bengal Cat hasn't raced since finishing fourth behind Automatic Choice at Flemington in July.

The daughter of Bernadini will return to racing in the Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Sunday.

Sadler plans to have the filly line up in the Oaks at her fourth run back from a spell.

Sadler said Bengal Cat had remained in light work following her last start but has had her work ramped up since she returned to his stable.

"She had about six weeks away but remained in work," Sadler said.

"She needed a break but I couldn't give her a proper break.

"She'll have that residual fitness about her and they don't take much getting back.

"She's back and in good order."

Following the Edward Manifold, Bengal Cat will head to the Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 17 and then to the tradition Oaks lead-up, the Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington two weeks later.

The VRC Oaks is at Flemington on November 5.

Bengal Cat had one run at Ballarat in January before returning with a third placing at Moonee Valley in June.

She showed her ability with a Flemington 1400m win on June 27 before the fourth placing in Listed grade.

Bengal Cat is a $26 chance in early Oaks markets which are headed by Pasadena Girl, a juvenile Group One winner of the Champagne Stakes.