Connections of Wotabuzz are hoping a new environment can bring out the best in the former Grand National Hurdles winner.

His form has been patchy since he bolted away with the Riccarton feature three years ago for Mark Oulaghan, who suggested a change of scenery might be in the horse’s best interests.

Wotabuzz’s sole victory since the National came in the Grant Plumbing Steeplechase 12 months ago and he will attempt back to back wins in the Trentham event on Saturday for his new trainer Laura Knight.

“Mark thought the horse could do with a change,” she said. “He goes out in the paddock every day here, we take him to the beach and hack him around the farm – it’s just something different,” she said. “He’s very well and happy in himself.”

Wotabuzz bled at Ellerslie last September and while he was outpaced when he resumed on the flat at Tauherenikau on Queen’s Birthday Monday, the manner in which he finished off the race pleased Knight.

“It was on a better track and he came home well,” she said. “We’ll get Wellington out of the way and then make a plan.

“He’ll probably stick to steeplechasing this time in and Riccarton is in our sights, depending on how he goes.”

Current jumps jockeys’ premiership leader Michael Mitchell will ride Wotabuzz, who he partnered into a fifth placing behind runaway winner Rangatira in last year’s Wellington Steeplechase.