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Otaki trainer Johno Benner is confident an “upgraded” model of classy colt Vespa will make punters sit up and take notice at Otaki on Saturday.

Last season’s champion two-year-old is having his first start since an aborted Melbourne Spring campaign where he failed to produce his best due to a few niggling issues.

Sent to the spelling paddock upon his return from Australia the strapping son of Elusive City has thrived during the break and has excited Benner with his progress in recent weeks.

“He’s really enjoyed the spell and has grown and matured significantly during that time,” he said.

”We haven’t asked him to do a lot so far but what he has done he has done really well and I couldn’t be happier with him.”

Vespa will strike just four opponents on Saturday when he resumes in the first race on the day’s premier programme and Benner expects him to acquit himself well.

“He’s had the one trial where he ran a nice second to Weregoingtogetcha and has come on appreciably since then,” he said.

“While he won’t be at peak fitness he’s certainly not going there to make up the numbers so I’m expecting a good performance.”

Safely through Saturday’s run Vespa will then head to the Gr. 2 Hardy Trade Wellington Guineas on New Zealand Oaks day at Trentham before Benner and the colt’s connections look seriously at their autumn options which could include an assignment in Sydney if all goes to plan.