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Darren Weir is set to make a surprise bid for a Group One win in New Zealand on Saturday.

Weir has turned his attention to Saturday’s G1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings, lodging a late entry for his accomplished stakes winner Raw Impulse.

The Makfi entire has been battling firm tracks and his connections believe the softer track conditions in New Zealand will benefit the gelding.

Raw Impulse hasn’t won since taking out the Listed Penang Trophy (1800m) at Morphetville on a Soft 7 track two years ago.

Owners Australian Bloodstock plan to transfer Raw Impulse to New Zealand trainer Fraser Auret after the Windsor Park Plate.

“We’re hoping for some soft conditions, that is what we are looking for,” said Australian Bloodstock principal Jamie Lovett.

“He is a horse that has got unlimited ability but he had a chip out of a knee and we just haven’t had him right since then.

“He doesn’t let down on the fast tracks that we seem to be getting all the time so we are hoping we can just get the right conditions over there.

“He’s a genuine Group horse on his day, given the right conditions. It will be interesting if he does get the right cut in the track.”

Raw Impulse finished unplaced in his last start over 1700m in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield on a firm track.

“I put it down to the firm tracks, if the track comes up fast he just doesn’t perform,” Lovett said.

“When he won the Adelaide race he bolted in that day on a heavy track. He’s clearly got the right form provided he gets the cut in the track.”

Lovett said the switch to the Marton stable of Fraser Auret should be a positive move for Raw Impulse.

“Darren will keep him in his name for this race and then we will leave him over there and try and find some soft tracks,” Lovett said.