Robert Smerdon is aiming Fontein Ruby at the Group One Australasian Oaks after the tough filly bounced back to winning form in the Listed Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Fontein Ruby was unplaced in the Group One Australian Guineas last start when she began slowly and then never got into contention, but she took up the running in Friday night's 1600m race for three-year-old fillies and was typically tenacious at the finish.

Fontein Ruby ($3.80) defeated Bahamas by 1-1/4 lengths with $2.90 favourite Wawail looming to challenge strongly early in the straight before finishing another short neck away third.

"I thought it was a tough win," Smerdon said.

"I probably don't give her enough credit because every way I looked at it, I thought Wawail would win the race.

"But when she (Fontein Ruby) finds the front like that she just keeps fighting. She's a determined horse."

The Group Three Auraria Stakes (1800m) in Adelaide next month is expected to be Fontein Ruby's next start.

"Then she will go back to Adelaide for the Australasian Oaks," Smerdon said.

The Australasian Oaks (2000m) is on May 2.