Expect to see progressive 3yr-old Mako Banner back at Forbury Park later on in the winter carnival.
That is the plan from his Westwood Beach trainer Graeme Anderson after the full brother to Mach Banner led and won his 2200m maiden mobile pace in 2.46.0 at Forbury Park on Thursday night.
''I'll give him a couple of weeks off now,'' Anderson said.
''He's a big horse and what he's done is probably more than what we would have expected at this stage.
''We were probably targeting later in the winter but he's got a beautiful way of going and a lovely horse to do anything with.''
Anderson also continued his fine form in 1200m races at Forbury when Highview Anwell rallied late to win the second of the sprint heats.
Anderson will probably line up the American Ideal gelding in the final heat on May 9.
Back in winning form
Ellmer Hanover might not be heading to Australia any more but he has discovered how to win again courtesy of a handicap pace at Forbury Park on Thursday.
The Armbro Operative 5yr-old climbed through the grades last season, and even proved himself at the top level with a third in last year's Easter Cup, but failed to flatter in his first two runs in this campaign.''
He's had a couple of runs on the grass and we thought we'd come down here,'' part-owner and Yaldhurst Hotel proprietor David McHugh said.''
We just wanted him to get his confidence back. He got the money tonight, so we're happy and, hopefully, back on track.''
McHugh and trainer Paul ''Tank'' Ellis came in to the ownership with Cavalla Bloodstock in early 2013 and the pair now own Ellmer Hanover between them.
''Tank trains it and [the horse] is still out on the property where Tank works out at Dancingonmoonlight [Farm, near Rangiora]He's a lovely little sound horse but he's probably just below the Terror To Loves. A c3 here tonight was his race but he's still got a wee bit to prove to me to show he's back to where he was.
An Australian campaign was being considered, but McHugh and Ellis are setting their sights closer to home now.
''We might just target some races down here and go where we can win''
