The free-going Woodsman will face the sternest test of his career when he returns to the central districts next weekend and the scene of a summer triumph.

Part-owner and trainer Tony Gillies is hoping the five-year-old can sign off his current preparation with a bold showing in the Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup on a track where he won the Manawatu Cup Prelude in December.

Woodsman will head south in grand form following his front-running victory in the Drymix Cement Bay of Plenty Cup at Tauranga on Saturday.

"He's racing really well and as long as he pulls up well he'll go to Palmerton North next Saturday and then he can have a holiday," Gillies said.

Partnered by apprentice Anna Jones, Woodsman was given an uncomplicated ride and he revelled in his work at the head of the field.

"He's got to be allowed to do his own thing and he likes to roll along at a good clip," Gillies said.

Jones increased the tempo 600 metres from home and Woodsman was never in danger from that point, cruising home to score by four lengths.

Clarify raced in the trail throughout and boxed on for second ahead of Endean Rose, who had won the South Waikato Cup at her previous start. Pacorus got back in the field and made some ground to finish fourth, albeit a distant one.