Trans-Tasman Group I winner Gingernuts is due to begin his anticipated spring campaign in next month's Group I Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hawkes Bay.
Gingernuts' name has endeared himself to the racing public but his exploits on the racetrack have also garnered a following.
The flashy chestnut won the Group I NZ Derby (2400m) and Group I Rosehill Guineas (2000m) in consecutive starts during the autumn carnival before finishing fifth in a slowly run Group I Australian Derby (2400m).
The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained galloper made a low-key return to the public eye on Tuesday, finishing seventh in a 1000-metre trial at Te Teko.
"He had a nice day out and he's a lot bigger this time," Richards told the New Zealand Racing Desk.
"He'll probably trial again and kick off in the Tarzino Trophy at Hawke's Bay."
The Tarzino Trophy is a 1400-metre weight-for-age contest scheduled for September 2 and is likely to feature other proven top-level performers such as Kawi, Rangipo and Sofia Rosa.
Gingernuts could remain in New Zealand until his main spring targets – the Group I Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21 and Group I Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7.
"He'll be entered for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, and whether he runs on the last two days at Hawke's Bay before he goes, we're not sure just yet," Richards said.
Gingernuts' younger brother Griffin, also made an appearance at the Te Teko trials. The three-year-old gelding was given a quiet time in his first outing since winning on debut in May.
"He just ran home under his own steam and we're happy with him," Richards said.
