Nash Rawiller blamed Dear Demi's poor racing manners for her defeat in the Queensland Oaks.

Rawiller's first ride aboard Dear Demi ended in disappointment when the filly finished seventh as the $2.90 favourite in the Oaks won by the Pat Carey-trained Gondokoro.

"She was tense the whole race and I was never happy with the way she was travelling," Rawiller said.

Because Dear Demi was racing fiercely, Rawiller eased the filly away from the fence at the 800 metres to give her more galloping room.

Trainer Clarry Conners said he knew Dear Demi faced an uphill battle to win the Oaks when she refused to settle.

"She wanted to go too hard during the race which she normally doesn't do," he said.

Jockey Michael Rodd was impressed with the effort of third placegetter Vaquera to finish third in the Oaks after losing momentum twice in the straight.

"I settled about three lengths further back than I wanted but her effort was fantastic," he said.

"She was held up for a run in the straight but she still hit the line great."