Cambridge trainer Hollie Wynyard will attempt to turn the clock back 10 years on Saturday to maintain her perfect record at New Zealand’s most northern circuit.
Her hopes will rest with Full Force, who has enjoyed a trouble-free preparation ahead of his return to racing at Ruakaka in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).
“It’s a nice race for him and I’ve only ever had one runner at Ruakaka before and that was Vespa and he won,” Wynyard said.
She formerly operated in partnership with Johno Benner, who decided to take an indefinite break from training at the end of last season.
Full Force will be her first runner in her own right and the son of Cosmic Force measured up favourably against the best of his age group last season.
He won once from six appearances and collected three minor placings, including a third in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m).
“He had a good spell after his two-year-old season and he’s grown a lot and developed,” Wynyard said.
“He’s a lot more mature now so I’m looking forward to his three-year-old season.
“We’ll just take it one step at a time and there’s plenty of races for him, we’ll kick off on Saturday and then see where we go.”
Full Force emphasised his readiness to return when he placed last week in a 900m heat at Te Rapa in the hands of Ryan Elliot, who will be aboard again.
“He trialled brilliantly and didn’t have the blinkers on, he’ll have them back on for race day and probably needs them,” Wynyard said.
“He just cruised around and had a good blow out. He recovered really well and he’s improved with the trial.
“I expect him to go pretty well, he’s fresh-up but he is forward enough.”
Previously based at Otaki, Wynyard moved north to Cambridge to establish her solo career.
“I’m training out of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s old barn behind the pool,” she said.
“It’s a good set-up with 20 boxes and they’re pretty much full, I’ve got really good owners, nice horses and great staff so I couldn’t ask for any more.”
Among the proven members of the stable back in work are multiple winners Pride Of Aspen and Colorado Silver while two-year-old Toretto is shaping promisingly ahead of his debut.
“Pride Of Aspen had a good spell and we’re bringing her up quietly,” Wynyard said.
“Colorado Silver had a long break and she’s a talented horse, she’s always been a bit weak and needed time.
“Toretto trialled at Te Rapa and hopefully he’ll run at Wanganui, I really like him.”
By Ardrossan, the youngster is a brother to last season’s Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1200m) winner Beau Dazzler, who crossed the Tasman to finish midfield in the Karaka Millions 2YO.