Age and experience are bringing out the best in the promising stayer Motuman.

The four-year-old has been making all the right moves this preparation with two wins and a runner-up finish from his last three starts and he will look to add to his tally in the Zest 2100 at Tauranga on Saturday.

Motuman is prepared on the track by part-owner Wayne Carter, who said the gelding had benefitted from a patient approach.

"He's matured and strengthened now. He's always showed ability, but he was like a young, raw-boned second-rower – you could see the potential, like a young Colin Meads."

Motuman broke his maiden three runs back and was then second at Tauranga before he careered away to win by 12 lengths at Rotorua last month.

He is the only horse in full work at present for Carter, who wears two hats within the thoroughbred industry.

"I've got a small block here and potter around with about a dozen horses," he said.

"I break a few in for friends and I've got two-year-olds by Gorky Park broken in and coming along nicely.

"I own a share in Gorky Park and have got him here – I think he's the most under-used stallion in the country in the lower service fee bracket."

A stakes-winning son of Montjeu, he has been represented by four winners from just 13 runners, including the Listed New Zealand St Leger placegetter Gorbachev.