Sidelined jockey Michael Rodd believes Bart Cummings's 23-year drought in Saturday's Group One Queensland Oaks is about to end with Dariana.Unfortunately for Rodd, he will miss the race through suspension and will be watching Steven Arnold pilot the filly in Saturday's classic.Cummings hasn't won the 2400-metre feature at Eagle Farm since Round The World was successful in 1987.However, rewriting turf history is nothing new to Cummings who ended a similar losing streak when Viewed won the Group T

Sidelined jockey Michael Rodd believes Bart Cummings's 23-year drought in Saturday's Group One Queensland Oaks is about to end with Dariana.

Unfortunately for Rodd, he will miss the race through suspension and will be watching Steven Arnold pilot the filly in Saturday's classic.

Cummings hasn't won the 2400-metre feature at Eagle Farm since Round The World was successful in 1987.

However, rewriting turf history is nothing new to Cummings who ended a similar losing streak when Viewed won the Group Two Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm in 2008 before the stayer went on to claim the Melbourne Cup at Flemington that year.

Viewed's victory in the Brisbane Cup ended a 33-year hoodoo for Cummings who hadn't won the feature since Herminia was successful in 1975 when it was a Group One race.

Rodd has ridden Dariana at her past three starts including her Group Three Frank Packer Plate (2000m) victory at Randwick last month.

He also came north to ride the filly last start when the daughter of Redoute's Choice produced an eye catching Queensland Oaks trial in the Group Three Doomben Roses (2020m).

Dariana had only a handful of horses behind her in the middle stages before powering home to finish third to the Mike Moroney-trained Marheta.

Rodd believes Dariana won't have any trouble coping with her first attempt at the distance.

"She's the one to beat. No doubt," Rodd said.

"If this was the spring and the VRC Oaks she'd be right in with a strong chance.

"She's had a bit of an unorthodox campaign but if anyone can do it then Bart (Cummings) can.

"I've already had a word to Steve about her. I gave him the rundown on her last Friday and his riding style will suit her," he said.

Rodd, who counts the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate and Victoria Derby among his major wins, began his suspension after Saturday's Doomben 10,000 meeting but will return in time for the Stradbroke Handicap meeting at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.

Arnold, who has a constant battle with his weight, will ride the Mark Kavanagh-trained War Ends in Saturday's Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m).

Arnold's biggest Queensland win was aboard Darwin sprinter Undue in the Group One Doomben 10,000 in 2006.

He combined with Cummings to win the 2001 VRC Oaks with Magical Miss while Rodd rode last year's winner Faint Perfume for the master trainer.