Jockey Jeremy Walsh knows he is restricting his opportunities being based at Woodville, but is grateful for any success that comes his way.
Foxton gelding High Altitude helped his cause with a dynamic victory in the mud at Awapuni on Saturday, scoring easily in the $12,000 Courtesy Ford Handicap (1600m).
Walsh, 26,did his apprenticeship under Murray Baker at Woodville, then had a long stint in Melbourne before returning to New Zealand a few years ago.
He settled in Cambridge for a time, but this year returned to Woodville, where he got married.
"Things have been going along pretty well and I have no regrets," Walsh said.
"When I came back down to the central districts three months ago I had only seven wins on the board, but by the end of the season I had taken that total to 19.
"So I'm still convinced I made the right move in that regard, but I need a top stable to ride for if I'm going to do any better."
Walsh has not rested on his laurels since shifting back to Woodville.
"I've was getting around the training tracks a bit here and there, but more recently have stayed in Woodville working for Murray Baker," he said.
"When Murray shifts north, I intend to move around the training tracks again in search of some better rides."
Walsh's biggest asset is his light weight.
"As long as you've got that to help you, the rides will come, but I know there's a lot more to it than that."
Walsh is not scared to get on the phone and chase mounts, and that was exactly how the ride on High Altitude came about.
He had never ridden the horse before, but on Saturday was suitably impressed with the mudlark, who simply revelled in the slushy conditions and bolted in.
High Altitude ran away to score by 2-1/4 lengths from The Blazer, with a long neck to Midday Son, who nosed out What A Hassle for third.
The King Delamere six-year-old defeated Jolly Rodger, The Varmint and What A Hassle in the $27,500 Rangitikei Tavern Marton 1600 on the same course in May, and seven starts at Awapuni have yielded three wins.
High Altitude was bred by Karen Duncan, of Marton, and she races the horse in partnership with her father-in-law, Ted Duncan, who trains the horse at Foxton.
High Altitude has had 31 starts for eight wins, one third and a fourth for total stakes of $56,900.
