Sam Logan has delved into her bag of tricks in an effort to bring out the best in Ngatira Gold.

The Cambridge trainer has been puzzled by the hurdler's last two performances and she has her fingers crossed for a more genuine effort in the Victor & Frank Matijasevich at Te Aroha on Sunday.

Last season's Great Northern Hurdles placegetter opened his current campaign with a highweight win at Rotorua, but more recently he has failed to impress in jumping outings at Te Rapa and Ellerslie.

"We've made changes and we'll put on a nose band and nasal strip to get him breathing better and Emily Farr will ride him," Logan said.

"We're hoping a quieter rider will help, we need to see some improvement as we've been scratching our heads with him.

"He started off really well, but his last two runs have been disappointing. We went over him after Auckland and there was nothing wrong."

Logan said she will wait until after Te Aroha before making any further winter plans for Ngatira Gold.

She will also be represented on Sunday by Finns Halo (New World Morrinsville Maiden Hurdle) and Fast Catch (Waihou Tavern Maiden Hurdle).

Finns Halo has placed in three of his four starts over the smaller fences and last time out he finished fourth at Ellerslie.

"He's learning his craft and he's still a big baby," Logan said. "I was pleased with his last run and he has trained on well since then."

Fast Catch will be making his hurdle debut and Logan will be happy to see him get around safely.

"He's gone well at the trials and he's taken to jumping well," Logan said. "Race day is obviously different so he's a bit of a watch and see this weekend."