Rugged winter galloper Zartan has set himself up for a tilt at the Listed Wanganui Cup on Queen's Birthday weekend after producing a gritty display when winning at Awapuni on Saturday.

The noted free-goer on heavy winter tracks had looked to be working his way back to winning form with a tidy run for second at his most recent start and so it proved as he went one better in the day's opening race over 2100 metres.

Visiting rider Samantha Collett had the seven-year-old gelding positioned nicely outside leader Captain Lincoln throughout the contest before levelling with the pacemaker early in the run home. Zartan ground his way clear in the final 150 metres before holding out the late challenge of the well-backed Dr Watson to score a deserved victory.

"He's had a few runs now so he was fit for the assignment," said Collett.

"He relaxed comfortably on a good pace and always gave me the impression he had enough to offer to get in front although he only did what he had to do."

Trainer Kylie Little was pleased with the performance now her charge was nearing peak fitness despite suffering a near mishap during the week.

"We had a bit of a gear malfunction in a gallop the other day but we managed to escape injury which was good," she explained.

"He's a bit older and has carried a little more condition this year so it's taken a few more runs to get him fit.

"He loves a dog-fight and is a pretty handy horse."

Questioned about her future plans for Zartan Little advised a return to one of the gelding's favourite tracks was the next target for him.

"He really enjoys Wanganui so I think we will have a crack at the Wanganui Cup with him," she said.