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Arizona Jazz’s performance at Matamata two runs back points to a successful return to the Waikato track on Wednesday.

The son of High Chaparral made the pace in the Listed Kaimai Stakes and rallied strongly in good company to finish fifth and two lengths off the winner Benzini, subsequently a creditable sixth in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup.

“It was a good run and we’ve been waiting for the softer tracks with him,” part-owner and trainer James Cropp said.

“Even the other day at Ellerslie he went a good race, they just went a bit too quick for him.

“We’ve had a bit of trouble with his feet, but we’ve been working him in cushion pads and he’s good now.”

Arizona Jazz will step back up to a middle distance in the Lally & Symes South Waikato Cup and Cropp is expecting another bold showing from the eight-year-old.

“Hopefully we can get a bit of rain and we’re planning to ride him a little bit quieter – Matamata is a good swoopers track,” he said

“I’m happy with him – he had a little gallop on Tuesday morning and he felt great.”

While Arizona Jazz has yet to win beyond a mile, Cropp said it wasn’t a lack of stamina that had held the gelding back.

“He’s an honest horse and he’s been unlucky on a few occasions. The only slight concern I’ve got is his topweight.”

The central districts visitors Seconds Out and Shezastunna bring solid form credentials north while Ocean Park’s half-sister Lady Sayyida can show improvement now she is up to a more suitable distance.