The 2023 Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) runner-up Nest Egg showed he was right on track to head south later in the spring to try and go one better in the race a year later after he scored a stylish victory at Ellerslie on Saturday.
The six-year-old gelding didn't really kick on over the rest of the summer last year after his Riccarton heroics, which included winning the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) in his lead-up to the New Zealand Cup, with trainer Stephen Marsh putting him aside for a decent spell after he finished near last in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) in March.
Nest Egg resumed at Matamata over 1600m earlier this month off the back of a quiet 1100m trial at Te Rapa, where he gave some cheek before his condition gave out in the heavy ground on offer.
Regular pilot Warren Kennedy took the mount on Saturday and had the son of Reliable Man settled nicely towards the middle of the pack as Fly My Wey set up a muddling pace in front.
Kennedy made his move as a number of his rivals swooped into contention on the home bend and quickly joined issue with eventual runner-up Cleese as the pair set down to a terrific struggle that went in favour of Nest Egg by a head at the line.
Marsh was all smiles afterwards as he noted he had some confidence in the horse performing to expectations on the Soft5 surface as opposed to the Heavy10 at Matamata.
"I thought his first up run was very good as the track was very heavy that day and he didn't like it at all," Marsh said.
"Back on a great track today and second up at this distance, I thought he might have enough sharpness and while he didn't have to win I thought he could be top four as he is going a lot better in this campaign.
"Nice to win back at headquarters and nice to have this horse back in form."
Marsh indicated he has similar plans to what he used last year with his charge including a possible Group One target thrown in before being set for the Martin Collins-sponsored New Zealand Cup at Riccarton on 16 November.
"He has a cheeky nomination for the Livamol (Gr.1, 2040m) as he is going so good but with the New Zealand Cup going to $400,000 (prizemoney) that is our target," he said.
"With the way the Livamol has evened up it could be a nice race for him but he has some nice targets ahead of him in this campaign."
Nest Egg, who was raised at boutique Manawatu nursery Highden Park, is out of the stakes placed Bahhare mare Run To The Bank and was bred by David Price and Brian Stewart who also share in his ownership.
He has now won six of his 37 starts and over $291,000 in prizemoney.
