Trainer David Vandyke was naturally flattened by Yankee Rose failing to take out the Crown Oaks on Thursday, but reflected on a stunning spring campaign by his star filly.
The Cox Plate placegetter was left in the wake by the phenomenal maiden-breaking victory of 100-1 shot Lasqueti Spirit, and the odds-on favourite finished second-last.
Vandyke said he feels Yankee Rose seems well in the early stages of her recovery from the 2500m trip.
"A very disappointing run, she didn't really run into the race," Vandyke said.
"It's a difficult assessment at this early stage.
"This filly has done an outstanding job this preparation.
"She's won a Group 1, second in the Flight, third in the Cox Plate, so I won't let this last run tarnish what's been a fantastic preparation.
"Obviously, the focus a lot is on the owners - a favourite in the Oaks, we were all expecting to win. But we didn't.
"They are animals. They can't talk. We'll just try and take in what has happened today."
WATCH: Yankee Rose's run
Jockey Blake Shinn took Yankee Rose to the back of the field from the wide draw, and she was unable to get any closer than that as Lasqueti Spirit and Brenton Avdulla pulled the pants down of their rivals in the $1 million feature.
Shinn said he felt the Cox Plate run was more taxing than originally thought.
"Honestly, it appears the Cox Plate took a lot more out of her than what we initially thought," Shinn said.
"We were a long way from them.
"I got rolling from the 1100m, I was in a position behind Harlow Gold at the 700m, but at no stage was I travelling like the winner.
"I was beaten by the turn, and just didn't come on."