A pleasing piece of work from New Zealand's top-ranked two-year-old Ruud Awakening has helped trainer Stephen Marsh narrow down his options for the filly's return to Australia.

Marsh has nominated either the Group Three McNeil Stakes at Caulfield on August 31 or one of a selection of three-year-old races at Flemington a week later for Ruud Awakening.

The Bernardini filly established herself as her country's best two-year-old and one of the better youngsters in Australasia this season winning five of her seven starts, including two at Group One as well as NZ's richest race, the Karaka Million.

While her campaign unravelled in the Golden Slipper when she finished near the tail of the field from a wide barrier, Marsh is delighted with Ruud Awakening's progress since returning to training last month.

"She has just done everything right so far and has really strengthened up after her break ... I couldn't be happier with her," Marsh said.

"At this stage we are looking to give her a jump-out at Cambridge next month before she heads to Melbourne for her first run."

Marsh said Ruud Awakening "pulled up a treat" after a gallop on Saturday.

The globetrotting Craig Williams rode Ruud Awakening in the Karaka Million and in the Golden Slipper and is again in the running to be in the saddle for her spring campaign.

Williams, who had another successful mid-year stint in Japan, is due to return to Australian racing early next month.

AAP T