Roc Leone is ready for take two at Wingatui after another big win at the Wingatui jumpouts yesterday.
The 2yr-old was all geared up to debut in a juvenile race on Boxing Day after winning a jumpout by five lengths on December 2.
But his trainer, Steven Prince, decided to hold fire after the colt developed shin soreness.
''It wasn't bad, but it was just enough to keep him away from Boxing Day,'' he said.
''We've given him five weeks in the paddock and he's been as good as gold since, touch wood.''
Prince described the son of Roc De Cambes as a ''very professional horse'' and Prince had a good hold on him as the pair crossed the line 15 lengths ahead of his two rivals.
''He could have gone a lot quicker - if something was there [to test him], he would have been fine.''
Roc Leone's time of 36.18 for 600m was the standout effort on the day. The rest of the heats were run over 800m.
The best time in the 800m heats came from Raise The Diva, who beat three rivals in 50.65.
She is trained by Brian and Shane Anderton, who are looking north - and possibly overseas - with Include after her 1200m win at Ascot Park on February 14.
The Gallant Guru mare was a ''bit quiet for a couple of days'' but had bounced back well, Brian Anderton said.
She will resume at Wingatui on March 7 before heading to Riccarton for the South Island Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes over 1600m on March 21.
''That's a fortnight until then - and then a fortnight until Te Aroha,'' he said.
''We'll have a day or two in Christchurch and then go on.''
The attraction of Te Aroha is the group 1 $200,000 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes on April 4. Depending on her performance there, she could return south or maybe even cross the Tasman Sea.
''When you're up that far, you keep your feet on the ground and don't get carried away, but there's an option - there could be some fillies and mares races at the Brisbane carnival. But we'll take it one step at a time.''
Wingatui trainer Terry Kennedy said Chapel Star, who has not raced since finishing second in the group 3 White Robe Lodge Handicap last month, will resume in an open 1600m at Wingatui on March 7.
