Frespanol ensured Gai Waterhouse salvaged something of the Queensland Oaks meeting with a narrow win at Doomben.

Waterhouse was expected to have a major chance in the Oaks in Bohemian Lily but the filly was scratched on Friday after suffering a leg injury.

Frespanol, the $2.05 favourite, looked likely to give Waterhouse little worry when he swept up to the leaders at the 200m in the Listed Spear Chief Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.

However, Tornado Miss ($21) kicked back on the inside to keep the winning margin to a short half-head.

"We were laughing, then we were crying and then laughing again," Waterhouse said.

"He had a bit too much class for them and alls well that ends well."

Frespanol will stay in Queensland to contest the Ipswich Cup (2100m) on June 13.

"He is ready for 2000 metres now and that should top him off nicely," Waterhouse said.

Winning rider Kerrin McEvoy said Frespanol had felt like he would win easily when he charged at the leaders.

"He has a better turn of foot than those horses but he never seems to win by a big margin," he said.

Tim Bell, who rode Tornado Miss, said the mare had kept fighting and might won in a few more strides.

Veteran Darci Be Good, who is also likely to go to the Ipswich Cup, battled on strongly to be third, another short half-head back after having a good run throughout.