Shane Dye has returned to New Zealand looking for a turnaround in his Group One fortunes in Wednesday's $NZ1 million Auckland Cup.

Dye, who has had a lean time since returning to Sydney from Hong Kong, is crossing the Tasman to ride Miracle Miss, trainer John Sargent's second string runner in the Auckland Cup.

Dye, yet to win an Auckland Cup, answered argent's call for a jockey to ride Miracle Miss at 51kg.

"Shane is confident he will get down to the 51kg and he'll be riding another couple for me on the day, too," said Sargent.

Sargent will also start the accomplished Wellington Cup winner Young Centaur in the Auckland Cup.

Miracle Miss finished third behind Vickezzchardonnay in the G3 Taranaki Cup (2000m) at New Plymouth on February 14.

"She was unlucky not to finish closer," said Sargent, referring to the fact Miracle Miss got held up on the home turn.

"She's got no weight on her back in the Cup and will stay.

"I think she'll be a big chance if the track comes back better."

Sargent rates Young Centaur as his obvious top fancy in the Auckland Cup.

"We know he gets the two miles and his work has been good," said Sargent.

"He's drawn a bit wide, but that's not a worry.

"As long as the track is better than it was last year, he'll be a big hope."

Young Centaur will be ridden by Michael Walker, who was aboard in his 2008 Wellington Cup win and his third placing in the same race this year.