Cambridge trainer Yves Seguin is convinced Arcenciel (NZ) has what it takes to snare one or more of the big summer cups this season.

That faith will be put to the test at Te Rapa on Saturday when the Black Minnaloushe mare takes her place in the G3 Waikato Times Gold Cup (2400m).

Arcenciel produced a barnstorming finish to grab second behind Jeu De Cartes (NZ) in a blanket finish to the Counties Cup last time out.  “We knew she was ready to go well at Pukekohe and she justified our faith in her although it would have been nice if the race was 50 metres longer,” joked Seguin.  “It has given us the confidence to set her for the G1 Auckland Cup in March.”

In 2011, Sequin took the mare to Brisbane where, with one win in a four-start winter campaign, she acquitted herself well and it’s likely she will follow a similar path this season.  “She thrived during that trip away and it certainly was the making of her,” Seguin added.  “I do have the thought in the back of my mind we could head that way again once she has finished her campaign here.”

This year’s edition of the Waikato Cup includes Jeu de Cartes, Redoute’s Choice mare Dolmabache and up-and-comers Annie Higgins and Savvy Dancer.