Caulfield Cup contender Gingernuts has come through an encouraging first-up run in New Zealand in good order.
The winner of the Rosehill Guineas in Sydney during the autumn, Gingernuts came from the back of the field to run fifth in the Group One Tarzino Trophy after copping a check at the 350m.
Co-trainer Jamie Richards said Gingernuts would head back to Hawke’s Bay for the Windsor Park Plate after which a decision would be made whether he goes straight to Melbourne or has another start at home.
“The slow track helped him and brought him into the race,” Richards, who trains in partnership with Stephen Autridge, told NZ Racing Desk.
“He had trialled well at Taupo and his work since then had been good.
“He pulled up well after Hastings and I rode him myself this morning (Monday). He’s a very happy horse.
“He’ll run in the Windsor Park Plate at Hawke’s Bay next and then we’ll have a round table discussion to confirm our next move.”
Gingernuts is a $21 chance in Caulfield Cup markets at Sportsbet.