On The Bubbles claimed his Karaka Million 2YO purse over 1200m, and the now five-year-old may have found his sweet spot back at the sprinting trip when making a winning southern debut at Ashburton.

A champion two-year-old, On The Bubbles claimed the million-dollar Ellerslie feature alongside the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), with further stakes victories coming at three in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) and Listed Mufhasa Stakes (1400m).

The son of Brazen Beau returned to the winner’s stall for the first time in more than 18 months following a tough and tenacious sprint in the G.D. Jones Salute Stewards Trial (1200m) to hold out the fast-finishing trio of Live Drama, Lightning Jack and Petty’s Legacy.

Co-trainer Mark Walker was pleased to see Te Akau’s long-time campaigner back to winning form, also surpassing $950,000 in stakes for his connections.

“It’s one of the most satisfying wins we’ve had in recent times,” Walker said.

“He’s had a lot of issues with his wind, and to see him really put in like that and hit the line strongly was great for all of his connections and supporters.

“It was a lovely ride of Warren’s to put him in the race, and the horse showed that he still loves the game and wants to win.”

Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson, mentioned the horse had been nominated for the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week, however, Monday’s victory would likely see On The Bubbles targeting the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m).

“Hopefully that gives him a lot of confidence going forward in his southern campaign, and although holding a nomination for the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, he will probably be aimed at the Stewards Stakes instead,” he said.

Te Akau’s Riccarton stable and Kennedy produced a race-day double in the following event, with Mehzebeen claiming her second career victory in the Agraforum Comcat (2200m).

The Almanzor four-year-old was runner-up to Pennyweka in last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and thrived over the staying trip at Ashburton, travelling patiently midfield and answered the big task in the home stretch, weaving through runners to emerge clear by three-quarters-of-a-length to Sprocket Rocket.

“It was good to see her back to her best, winning over 2200 metres and the firm track suited, but just a great ride by Warren who’s riding in fantastic form and seeing things a long way from the finish,” Walker said.

Walker hopes the mare can assist their chances for back-to-back Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) victories during the Riccarton carnival, following subsequent Group One-performer Campionessa’s win in the staying feature last year.

“It was really pleasing to see her pick up and finish off the way she did, spearing between runners with a really good turn of foot, and we’re hoping to get into the Metropolitan Trophy during Cup week,” he said.