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When the going gets tough the hardy mare Wee Biskit excels as she again proved at Trentham where she added another prestige jumping victory to her record.

The Hunterville-trained six-year-old overcame a testing Ellerslie track last year to take top honours in the Great Northern Hurdles and on Saturday she claimed the Lone Star Petone Café & Bar Wellington Hurdles in similar conditions.

Trained by part-owner Ken Duncan, Wee Biskit settled toward the tail of the field before she improved down the back and took control of the race 600 metres from home.

She had the prize in safe keeping from that point and cleared right out to score by a widening eight and a quarter lengths.

Sharing in the glory was Wee Biskit’s ride Matthew Cropp, who has made more than his share of comebacks to the saddle from injuries.

“It’s good to be back and I knew Ken always has his horses fit,” Cropp said. “I walked the track this morning and I thought it was quite similar to Ellerslie when she won the Northern. The looser the better for her.

“If Ken decides to go to Riccarton with her for the Grand National she will be a big chance again.”

Former National winner Mahanadi showed he was nearing his best hurdling form with his effort for second ahead of Thatz David, successful in the Wellington Hurdles two years ago.

The warm favourite Superturf was a major disappointment after being under pressure from rider Charlie Studd a long way out. The Awapuni Hurdles winner jumped sluggishly early and struggled home a distant sixth.