A comprehensive performance at Te Rapa on Saturday saw promising maiden Mastercard put the first tick in the win column for trainer Karen Zimmerman and her new Byerley Park stable.

Zimmerman moved north from her long-established Otaki base back in March and has slowly found her feet in the new surroundings. Mastercard had looked likely to notch a win for the stable at short notice after a strong display at the Avondale trials in early April however in three subsequent race starts had failed to deliver on that promise.

A step up to 1600 metres and a heady ride from Mark Du Plessis righted the ship as the three-year-old Makfi gelding powered over the top of his rivals to break the duck for his mentor.

"It's nice to get the win and especially with this horse as he has been plagued with bad draws," she noted after the race.

"Everything just panned out well for him today."

Zimmerman was quick to acknowledge the support she has received from the Westbury Stud team and boss Gerry Harvey who owns the horse.

"I'm thrilled for Westbury as they have been a very big supporter of mine, both in the Central Districts and up here," she said.

"I've always held the horse in high regard but he's had a few muscle problems along the way as he's such a big horse."

Du Plessis was also pleased with the run as circumstances finally played in Mastercard's favour.

"He's always had the ability but just hadn't put it all together," he remarked.

"The heavy tracks haven't been his friend but today he got a perfect track, a good draw and a race run to suit."