Smart three-year-old filly Sweet Anna (NZ) (Tavistock) is nearing a raceday return after trialing well at Te Aroha on Monday.

The well-bred daughter of Tavistock was initially on a path to the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) but was thwarted by a foot abscess just days out from the race, forcing trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman to abort a trip to Christchurch.

Raced by breeder Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Sweet Anna has had just the four starts, breaking maiden ranks at second time of asking and placing in the Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).

A sister to Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Tavago (NZ), Sweet Anna will resume in the Gr.2 Jamieson Park Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.