Cambridge trainer Trevor da Cruz will head to Ruakaka in search of a decent surface with first-starter Ollie on Saturday and is expecting a bold run.

The son of Rip Van Winkle will line up in the Trigg Construction (1200m) and has had two trials to prepare for the assignment.

“He’s a nice horse who has shown ability in a couple of strong trials and it’s time for a run. We are going up there in search of better footing and hopefully we can get a nice result.

“He’s got a pretty good brain on him and that always helps.”

Ollie is raced by Waikato dairy farmer Roger Blunt and is one of five horses Cruz has in work during the winter months.