Smart Cambridge sprinter Ardrossan is to continue his group one path in Australia.
The Redoute's Choice 4-year-old suffered his first New Zealand defeat in Saturday's group one BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, but lost no admirers with his fighting effort for a close third behind Melody Belle when beaten a head and a nose.
On the strength of that performance his connections have decided to shift their sights to the group one Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on March 9 rather than opt for the lesser mission of the group three Waikato Stud Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie a week earlier.
"He deserves a crack at the Group One in Sydney," trainer Stephen Marsh said. "The owners are keen to have a go and he went a top race on Saturday. He has pulled up well and the 1300m should suit him. We'll look to take him over close to the race and we're yet to decide on a rider."
Among Ardrossan's five New Zealand starts are two black-type wins, including a strong victory in the group three Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie last month, and his group one placing has helped boost his pedigree.