After coming off a sixth place at last month's NSW Oaks Group 1 at Menangle, Turnbull's chance was never challenged in the opening heat of the meeting, as it took to the front early and only turned the burners on in the home straight to win by more than 11 metres.

Joanna was well backed at $1.04, with Michael Formosa's Heavenly Holly ($23) and Bernie Hewitt's Beta Jewel ($18) coming in at second and third respectively.

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Turnbull said the comfortable win in the heat has helped her prepare for Saturday night's final.

"She sorted of needed a good hit out, keeping her nice and fit for Saturday night," she said.

"She's come back well. She didn't have to get much better because she ran a really good time in last year's [Gold Tiara final]. She seems to be racing well and everything's still there."

Trained out of Emma Stewart's stables at Cardigan, near the Victorian city of Ballart, Joanna has now won seven races from 11 career starts and has won three of her last five starts.

Turnbull said Stewart is pleased with how the filly has been racing of late, especially after an unlucky draw in the NSW Oaks last month.

"[Stewart] has done a really job with her," Turnbull said.

"[Joanna] ran sixth [in the NSW Oaks] but she drew midfield and didn't have much luck. You couldn't take anything away from that run.

"She probably still needs a pretty good draw for Saturday night and a bit of luck. There'll be some horses she raced last year."

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