Stephen Marsh took an instant shine to Felaar and time is proving the Cambridge trainer’s early opinion to be on the money.

“I liked him from day one, he was a big, weak horse but he looked like he was going to be a quality handicap type,” he said.

Felaar was an impressive last-start winner under 60kg over 2100m at Ellerslie for his second career success from nine outings.

His current preparation will draw to a close at Trentham on Saturday when he will step out in black type company for the first time in the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m).

“After that he’ll go for a good spell,” Marsh said.“I really like him and certainly the best hasn’t been seen of him yet.”

Felaar will be accompanied south by stablemate Mark Two, who despite her maiden status, is a genuine Group One hope in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).

Fourth in the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m) and runner-up last time out in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (2000m), she has been purposefully kept fresh for the weekend.

“We could have run her first-up over 2000m, she just wants to stay and is very clean-winded,” Marsh said.“This is also her first preparation and I didn’t want to give her too many runs.”

Mark Two stepped out at the Taupo trials last week and won her 1200m heat.

“She trialled beautifully, she’s right on target for the Oaks,” Marsh said.