Local galloper Danzdanzdance showed she has come back in fine fettle for her four-year-old campaign with an impressive first-up win on her home track at Ruakaka on the weekend.

The Mastercraftsman mare performed with distinction last season where she finished third in the group one New Zealand Derby (2400m) before proving highly competitive in two runs in Sydney during the autumn. Unsighted since finishing sixth in the group one ATC Oaks (2400m) Danzdanzdance stepped out over 1400m on Saturday where she led throughout to down Contessa Vanessa in a thrilling finish to the rating 82 contest.

Co-trainer Chris Gibbs was delighted by the performance as he considers tackling elite company with his charge at her next start.

"That was really pleasing to see, as it was a tough field for her first-up," he said. "Contessa Vanessa is a pretty classy customer who has already had a run this time in so to hold her out in a tight finish was a top effort. If she can sneak into the Livamol Classic field at Hastings then I'm keen to take her there without another run."

Danzdanzdance lies 19th equal with stablemate Hello It's Me on the Livamol order of entry.

- NZ Racing Desk