A minor setback has put the promising filly Papal Joy behind schedule for her bid at next month's Group One Queensland Oaks but trainer Brian Wakefield isn't giving up the fight.

Papal Joy was nominated for Saturday's Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) but Wakefield didn't accept and will start the three-year-old in the 4BC Billy J Smith Handicap at Doomben on Friday.

Papal Joy, who will be ridden by Scott Seamer in the 1660-metre Class Two race, has been successful once and been placed four times in her eight-start career.

The daughter of My Joy was injured at her last appearance when runner-up to River Perfume in a 1400-metre Class Two on the cushion track at Caloundra on March 22.

"She got a soft tissue injury in a front leg from her last run on the cushion track," Wakefield said.

"I've kept her swimming to maintain some fitness but I had to ease up on her trackwork which is why she wasn't fit enough to run 1800 metres in the Gold Coast Bracelet.

"She's got enough fitness to run the mile at Doomben tomorrow and she'll give a good account of herself.

"It's a lot easier race than taking on the good fillies at the Gold Coast."

Wakefield is still not certain whether Papal Joy has the stamina to run 2400 metres in the Group One Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on May 30.

"I'm still heading that way with her but she's got to prove she'll run the trip and time is running out," he said.

"It'll be a tough job now to get her to the Oaks and we might have to look at some of the lesser three-year-old races.

"She's a couple of weeks behind schedule following the setback but we'll give it every shot to get her into the Oaks."

Wakefield is in the same position with Bretonneux who is being aimed at the Group Two Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June.

Bretonneux has won two of his three starts but is only third emergency for Saturday's Group Three Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).

"Papal Joy is the same boat as Bretonneux. He needs prize money to be assured of getting a start in the Queensland Guineas," Wakefield said.

"Bretonneux is only third emergency but there's a couple who have drawn awkwardly at the Gold Coast so we're praying he gets a run.

"It will be a good gauge to his winter chances if he runs at the Coast."