Blue Diamond favourite Rostova will have a tongue tie added at her final run of her autumn campaign.

The talented filly was unbeaten going into the $1 million Arrowfield Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday but labored home into fifth behind Reward For Effort.

Trainer Steve Richards said the filly returned to scale gasping for air and was found to have swallowed her tongue.

After a sleepness night on Saturday night he found the filly bright and well on Sunday, and hopes the gear change will see the real Rostova step up at what is likely to be her last run this time in.

The $300,000 Group 2 Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) is at Flemington on March 7 and is the most likely target, although Richards also has the option to run in the $150,000 Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) down the straight on the same day.

Blue Diamond winner Reward For Effort, and the equally impressive runner-up Real Saga, are both likely to head to Sydney for the Golden Slipper.

Reward For Effort 同 Real Saga 兩匹當然目標在金拖鞋。