Two highly talented Te Akau mares made bold statements with impressive sprinting victories at Flemington and Ellerslie on Saturday.

Local trainer Graham Eade enjoyed success at his Riverton home track on Saturday and is hoping for more of the same when he lines up four of his team on the second day of the annual two-day carnival on Easter Monday.

Levin trainer Ilone Kelly will unveil an intriguing new addition to her stable when the well-related Linara (Lonhro) makes his New Zealand debut in Monday’s McMillan Equine Feeds Maiden (1100m) at Otaki.

Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) could still attempt a third consecutive Group One win in as many years over the Randwick autumn carnival, despite showing signs of soreness on pulling up from his unplaced Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) run at Flemington on Saturday.

Talented filly Grey Haze (NZ) (Dalghar) earned her connections a lucrative payday in claiming the inaugural Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

A drop back in distance paid dividends for progressive filly Nepheti (NZ) (Charm Spirit) when she bounced back to winning form at Ellerslie in a three-year-old 1400m contest.

Perennially under-rated mare Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) had a richly deserved day in the Ellerslie sun on Saturday, bringing her high-class New Zealand racing career to a close with a successful defence of her title in the Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

Race favourite Prince Alby (NZ) (Sacred Falls) carried the hopes of the locals in Saturday’s Kennedy Building Riverton Cup (2147m), and he didn’t let anyone down as he ground out a terrific victory in the feature event on the day.

A daughter of two-time Riverton Cup (2147m) winner Miss Three Stars (NZ) (Perfectly Ready) lined up on the same raceday on Saturday for the same trainer and jockey, delivering a major victory of her own in the Bupa Care Services Francolin Stakes (1400m).

Quality performer Fashion Shoot (NZ) (Savabeel) has yet to win beyond 1400m, but the in-form mare’s camp is confident she can go the distance at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Awapuni raider Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) will attempt a rare feat when she heads to Ellerslie to defend her title in Saturday’s Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

The connections of The Grey Goose (NZ) (Reliable Man) had a healthy payday when the daughter of Reliable Man took out the $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui earlier this month, and they are hoping she is on target for another.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is giving two sets of connections the opportunity to claim a lucrative payday in Saturday’s Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m) at Ellerslie.

Trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray have always had plenty of time for Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) and they are hoping she can fulfil her Group One potential at Ellerslie this weekend.

A rain-affected Riverton track poses both positives and negatives for Leda Beck, as she prepares one of the leading contenders for the Bupa Care Services Francolin Stakes (1400m).

Impressive last-start Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Pulchritudinous (NZ) (Wrote) will continue her racing career in Australia following her sale this week.

Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent) has become a horse of a lifetime for New Plymouth trainer Kim Reid, and she is hoping to further her dream ride with her pride and joy at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Diss Is Dramatic (NZ) (Dissident) is establishing a strong base for her future broodmare career, adding the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) to her burgeoning record at Tauranga on Saturday.

Quality mare Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) performed with distinction in her first appearance at Ellerslie and trainer Roydon Bergerson has every reason to expect another bold showing there on Saturday.

Gavin Sharrock is confident his young protégé Sergeant Major (NZ) (Proisir) can sign off his New Zealand career in perfect style.

There has been a slight change in plans for Group One-winning filly Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High).

It will be a case of youth versus experience at Ellerslie this Saturday when Wexford Stables lines-up their two representatives in the Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

Sea Shepherd was in unchartered waters at the start of the season, having a spate of subpar unplaced runs, and trainer Sabin Kirkland is hoping to get his gelding back on course this weekend.

Ascot Park trainer Lisa Vaughan will head to Riverton on Saturday where she hopes to make it back-to-back wins in the Kennedy Building Riverton Cup (2147m).

Mustang Valley will be out to prove her class when attempting a first Group One title on Good track conditions on Saturday at Ellerslie.

Cambridge’s Kingsclere Stables is in for a busy trans-Tasman weekend, headlined by their glamour filly Orchestral tackling the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Nucleonic is proving to be a broodmare gem for Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis, who shares in the ownership of the mare with Westonlea Bloodstock’s David and Matthew Peacocke.

Brian Anderton’s association with Burgie’s family goes back decades and it’s one that continues to deliver stakes successes.

Stakes assignments are in the offing for promising three-year-old Paragon following his convincing win in the Life Flight Save Time Saves Lives (1300m) at Tauherenikau on Sunday.

Kenny Moore resisted the urge to chase the $650,000 Summer Series Bonus with his Group One performer Lady Telena in favour of targeting southern riches, and his decision is looking to have paid off.

Michael and Matthew Pitman will consider options on both sides of the Tasman with their rising stable star Mystic Park (NZ) (Ocean Park), who faced his toughest test to date at Riccarton on Satu

After spending most of the afternoon tossing up whether or not to scratch Complicate (NZ) (Complacent) from Saturday’s Snow Williams Bayleys Country (1600m) at Tauranga, Matamata trainer Wayne Hillis decided to roll the dice and was richly rewarded.

Stephen Marsh is trekking a familiar path with owner Lib Petagna in search of South Island black-type success for promising filly Nikaia (NZ) (Ardrossan), a plan that commenced in ideal fashion on Saturday at Riccarton Park.

Ruby Rocks made it two home cup wins in as many months at Tauherenikau on Sunday when taking out the Trust House Enhancing Our Community Masterton Cup (2050m).

Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo) has competed among the best of the country’s three-year-olds this season, and the talented filly proved too strong when stepping out of stakes company at Tauranga on Saturday.

Well-travelled sprinter Macthief (Time Thief) displayed his affinity for winning early in a campaign when he came from last at Tauranga on Saturday to claim victory in the Triton Pacific Owens Plate (1200m).

Underrated mare Diss Is Dramatic (NZ) (Dissident) found her winning groove again when she stormed home to claim the feature event at Tauranga, the Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m).

Talented mare Burgie (NZ) (Ghibellines) turned a frustrating campaign around with a powerful finish to win Saturday’s Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.

Progressive galloper Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) delivered on punter’s expectations when the race favourite ($2.40) took out the Seaton Family Memorial Hororata Gold Cup (1800m) at Riccarton in a driving finish.

Last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) heroine Pulchritudinous could head to Sydney for the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick next month, it just may not be with current trainer Chad Ormsby.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh will use Saturday’s Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga as a springboard towards autumn targets for Skyman and Financier.

Saturday’s Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga marks the black-type debut for Rudyard, and the in-form four-year-old benefits from a 5kg drop in weights from his previous appearance.

Eleven months after claiming her first black-type win in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton, talented mare Miss Layla will shoot for another major prize over the same course and distance this weekend.

Four years ago, Elle Sole hadn’t even watched a horse race let alone have an inkling of pursuing a career in the sport, but now she can call herself a winning jockey.

As Te Akau Racing prepare for a bumper Saturday at The Valley, the domestic stable will saddle two proven performers in an evenly-matched Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga.

Te Akau Racing mare Elegant Lady (NZ) (Highly Recommended) will look to build on her burgeoning South Island record when contesting the Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton Park on Saturday.

Entain Australia and New Zealand, operator of the TAB, have extended their investment in New Zealand into education, announcing on Thursday that they have become a major partner of the New Zealand Equine Academy (NZEA).

Glamour filly Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) will defend an elite level title won by a former star stablemate when she makes her Australian debut later this month.

Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) will be given the chance to showcase his staying ability in Australia next month, provided the weather comes to the party.

With the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) in the pipeline, Bill Thurlow is looking forward to stepping Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner) out over ground in Sunday’s Trust House Enhancing Our Community Masterton Cup (2050m).

A trip to Brisbane to compete in the Queensland Winter Carnival is on the cards for Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor) following her runner-up performance behind Pulchritudinous (NZ) (Wrote) in last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

Monovale Holdings’ Joe and Max Smithies have enjoyed a myriad of success since beginning their association with Terri Rae, a run they hope to continue when Dazzling Miss contests Saturday’s Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeder’s Stakes (1600m).

Schooling over fences has brought a new lease on life for Mahoe (NZ) (Alamosa), with the six-year-old gelding having won two of his last three races.

He beat all but glamour filly Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie earlier this month and now Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) will be given his chance to test his talent across the Tasman.

A likely trip across the Tasman is looming for promising stayer Trust In You (NZ) (Sweynesse).

Jockey Joe Doyle has brought the luck of the Irish with him over to the other side of the world and is enjoying a standout season, bringing up his 100^th win in New Zealand aboard the Kim Reid-trained Hi Yo Sass Bomb in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Tony Rider celebrated a classic dose of double delight in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

A dark cloud is hanging over exciting galloper Adam I Am’s racing future after the son of Almanzor pulled up with a tendon injury following his win over 1400m at Ellerslie nine days ago.

Another North Island mission beckons for Prince Alby after the classy stayer headlined a treble of victories for trainer Kelvin Tyler and apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper at Wingatui on Sunday.

Stakes targets are beckoning exciting gelding Nereus following his win over a mile at Trentham on Saturday.

Although finishing runner-up in the initial judge’s call for the result in the Frocked Up Girls 3YO (1200m) at Tauranga on Saturday, promising galloper Valentine (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) secured his second career victory courtesy of a successful protest lodged after the son of Turn Me Loose suffered interference from race favourite Aquilifer in the home straight.

Three Taranaki representatives were tipped as key hopes in Saturday’s The Bold One & Agraforum St Leger (2600m), but it was another of the region’s staying talents in Testify Me (NZ) (Atlante) that reigned supreme in the Trentham feature.

With a thrilling victory in Saturday’s BOP Equine Vets Open Handicap (1400m), classy mare Fashion Shoot (NZ) (Savabeel) headlined a big day at Tauranga for Te Akau Racing and set herself up for a Group One assignment at the end of this month.

Southern sprinter Our Echo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven) showed his northern rivals just how good he can be when he sat wide throughout before holding off a host of challenges to win Saturday’s Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.

Almost two decades after riding Creil to victory in the Gr.1 Avondale Cup (2200m) as an apprentice jockey, multi-talented horseman Chad Ormsby climbed the same mountain in a different way when Pulchritudinous- (NZ) (Wrote) won the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Australian hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor has made his first visit to New Zealand a memorable one by guiding promising filly Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) to a hollow victory in the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham.

Saturday’s Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham delivered multiple milestones for the connections of Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent).

Tony Pike believes the big, roomy Trentham track will suit his promising three-year-old Witz End (NZ) (Savabeel) right down to the ground in Saturday’s Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m).

Australian targets are beckoning Mustang Valley once more, and trainer Andrew Forsman is looking forward to seeing if she is up to the task when she heads to Tauranga on Saturday to kick-off her autumn preparation in the BOP Equine Vets Open Handicap (1400m) at Tauranga.

Group One-winning thoroughbred trainer Ben Foote kicked off what he hopes to be a big weekend in perfect fashion at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night when his greyhound He’s All Go took out the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby Final (457m).

Andrew Forsman will attempt to recreate the performance of a former stable star with his trio of fillies in this Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

After an up-and-down campaign ranging from 1200m all the way up to 2100m, Te Akau Racing is hoping to see Tokyo Tycoon back at his brilliant best in the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Graham Eade is excited about the prospects of his promising three-year-old Riviera Rebel, who he is hoping can take the next step in his career at Wingatui on Sunday.

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have enjoyed a spectacular summer with their three-year-olds, and they are hoping Saturday’s Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham brings more of the same.

A friendship formed during the Queensland winter carnival has paved the way for Brisbane jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor to make his New Zealand debut at Trentham on Saturday.

Te Akau Racing’s The Mighty Spar (NZ) (Savabeel) made it back-to-back wins in the Holster Engineering Lally And Symes South Waikato Cup (2000m) at Matamata on Wednesday.

Phantom calling races in his childhood bedroom is a key memory for Justin Evans, and he is pinching himself that he is now able to live out his lifelong dream of being a race caller.

The well-related Naxos may lack size but possesses a determined nature that was emphasised when successful at the first time of asking last month at Tauranga.

Stephen Autridge has triumphed in many of New Zealand’s most iconic races, and the Matamata horseman would rate a victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m) among the headliners.

Clinton Isdale will beat a familiar and successful path to Wellington this week with his under-rated sprinter Is That So (NZ) (Sufficient).

Imwonderfultonight has been a standout performer for Cambridge trainer Sam Mynott this season and she is hoping her mare can be rewarded for her consistency with victory in Saturday’s Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.

Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent) scored black-type last start when runner-up in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) on her home track and trainer Kim Reid is hoping she can go one better in the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.

A Group One challenge awaits Red Sea (NZ) (Pierata) next month following the youngster’s runaway success in the AKW Farrier Two-Year-Old (1200m) at Matamata on Wednesday.

Terri Rae hopes to continue a flow of winning performances by her consistent team of gallopers at Ashburton on Thursday.

The inaugural NZTR innovation races have been a massive hit this season and there is still one to come, with southern trainers getting their chance at racing for $350,000 in the Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) at Riccarton next month.

Riverton galloper Shockallia is set to tackle his home Cup later this month following his victory in the AB Lime Wyndham Cup (2000m) at Gore on Sunday.

At odds of 70-1, Young Diva was a clear outsider for last Friday’s DPA Chartered Accountants (1400m) at Taupo, but as trainer Allan Wright said, she didn’t know that.

Snazzytavi has seemingly flown through the grades this season, and the talented mare will prepare for another black-type target in Wednesday’s Holster Engineering Lally and Symes South Waikato Cup (2000m) at Matamata.

Tauranga horseman Patrick McCarten enjoyed one of his more memorable days as a trainer when producing Butterfield to win on Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie last Saturday.

El Vencedor’s (NZ) (Shocking) career-best performance at Ellerslie to triumph at Group One level was tinged with a bittersweet note for breeder-owners David Price and Mark Freeman.

Faraglioni (NZ) (El Roca) should be enjoying a well-deserved spell at the moment, but trainer Josh Shaw said his Group One performer had other ideas.

Well-related juvenile Little Thief (NZ) (Dundeel) could earn himself a Group One berth following Wednesday’s AKW Farrier Two Year Old (1200m) at Matamata.

Growing up on The Oaks Stud in Cambridge paved a way for a successful career in the thoroughbred breeding industry for Dean Williams, however, he got the racing bug young and is about to take an important step in fulfilling his dream of becoming a trainer.

Langkawi (NZ) (Helmet) put in a pleasing runner-up performance in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata last month and will return to the same course and distance on Wednesday where he will attempt to go one better in the Holster Engineering Lally And Symes South Waikato Cup.

Danica Guy’s talented three-year-old Lupo Solitario (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) has been sold to Hong Kong.

Four months after his triumph in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton, Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) earned himself a special place in New Zealand racing history by adding Saturday’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.

Classy mare Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) returned to summer racing with a vengeance when claiming a narrow victory in the opening event at Ellerslie, the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m).

Three hours before pin-up mare Legarto lined up as the centre of attention in Saturday’s Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), an up-and-comer carrying those same cream and brown colours earned his own share of the Ellerslie spotlight.

Promising four-year-old Hat Trick (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) proved he has plenty more to offer as he claimed his second victory from just three starts, with a stylish front-running performance to take out a Special Conditions Maiden contest over 1400m at Ellerslie.

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Members’ Council has appointed Mr Rodney Schick as a Director of NZTR’s Board, effective immediately.

A difficult search for a lightweight jockey for Waisake in Saturday’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) led Allan Sharrock to look to the south.

A gallant fourth as favourite in last year’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m), quality mare Aquacade is returning to the same meeting 12 months later but setting her sights on a different race.

Apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper has been enjoying his stint in the South Island and is hoping to bag a few more winners before he heads back north.

This weekend is set to be one of the biggest in Chad Ormsby’s career, and the Cambridge trainer kicked it off in style with Pulchritudinous winning Friday’s Gr.2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2000m) at Taupo.

Superstar filly Velocious cemented herself atop the country’s two-year-old ranks with a tenacious victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie.

An inch perfect front running ride by Irishman Joe Doyle paved the way for outsider El Vencedor to upset the applecart in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.

A return to the scene of his greatest win has worked wonders for He’s A Doozy, who burst back into form with victory in Saturday’s The Hits Autumn Cup (1600m) at Trentham.

Taranaki trainer Robbie Patterson was getting ready to head to Ellerslie with two contenders for the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) on Saturday until he got a shock when going through his emails on Thursday.

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today regrettably announced the resignation of its Chair, Cameron George, effective 31 July 2024.

Te Akau Racing’s unbeaten filly Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) is set to face her sternest test to date when she heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m).

Wexford Stables have fond memories at Ellerslie with Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock), and they are hoping to add another when they head to the Auckland track this Saturday to contest the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m).

The purchase of two-time stakes winner Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) for $75,000 on gavelhouse.com this week means that breeder Warwick Jeffries is about to enhance his broodmare band with two of the South Island’s best-performed racemares from recent seasons.

Fresh off Orchestral’s dazzling display in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie last Saturday, trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood will head back to the Auckland track this weekend hoping to add another feature scalp to their record.

The Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) is being a billed as a match-race between Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner Velocious and undefeated Te Akau Racing filly Captured by Love, but Pam Gerard is keen to spoil the party with her Group Three winner Savaglee.

Stephen Marsh’s immediate focus is on Ellerslie this Saturday with stable star Velocious (Written Tycoon), but he’s also got an eye on a following juvenile prize.

Owners Alastair Lawrence and John Rattray, of Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi) fame, have had success sending horses to Waipukurau trainer Simon Wilson over the last few years and they are hoping that continues with their Group Three winner Marroni (NZ) (Makfi).

Promising filly Bedtime Story (NZ) (Per Incanto) will get her opportunity at attaining black-type in next week’s Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) following her victory in the Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1300m) at Otaki on Wednesday.

A genuinely run Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) will bring out the best in proven stayer Mahrajaan on Saturday when he bids to add to his silverware.

Tony Pike has tipped Harlow Rocks as the stable’s best chance of stakes success at Taupo on Friday.

The connections of short-priced favourite Legarto are in for a massive payday following Saturday’s $450,000 Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie, irrespective of the result.

Australian stallion Pariah is living up to his name across the Tasman, with the former Arrowfield Stud stallion set to have just his third New Zealand runner at Otaki on Wednesday.

Tauranga trainer Antony Fuller is hoping history repeats itself on Saturday when he takes Roger That (NZ) (Shinko King) north to Ellerslie to contest the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m).

Trans-Tasman trainer Michael Moroney caused one of the biggest upsets in Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) history when Roch ‘N’ Horse took out the Flemington feature two years ago as a $101 outsider, and now his son-in-law Chad Ormsby is hoping to replicate that feat.

Exciting young prospect Nucleozor will be given his chance at attaining black-type in the coming months following his pleasing debut victory at Wingatui on Saturday.

Waikato Stud celebrated trans-Tasman success at the weekend with female representatives of two of their leading families and the nursery is well-placed to continue reaping future rewards.

Whangaehu has taken a significantly different route to the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) than Bill Thurlow’s last contender, but the Waverley trainer is hopeful he can produce an identical result on Saturday at Ellerslie.

Local trainer Shankar Muniandy continued his great run of form at Wingatui on Saturday, adding a win and two runner-up results to his season tally.

Champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross) was a flagship performer for The Oaks Stud and her legacy continues to be felt on both sides of the Tasman.

A powerful sprint finish has taken progressive South Island galloper The Grey Goose (NZ) (Reliable Man) to an emphatic victory in the ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui.

Rider Masa Hashizume enjoyed one of his best days in the saddle when he claimed a winning treble at Ellerslie, including an impressive victory aboard Jaarffi (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the newly minted $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m).

Lynsey Satherley’s affinity with underrated stayers continued at Ellerslie on Saturday, guiding My Maebelline Girl (NZ) (Shamoline Warrior) to victory and a place in next week’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m).

Breakthrough performer Pericles will be out to continue a remarkable summer for his part-owners Hugh Fletcher and Dame Sian Elias when he lines up in the Gr.3 Mainstream Plumbing Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Seven years after settling for second in their last raid on New Zealand’s premier classic, expat trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are resigned to running into one better again when Interlinked contests the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The curtain has come down on the decorated career of Callsign Mav following his sixth placed run in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori Classic (1600m).

Two breakthrough performers from November’s New Zealand Cup Carnival will line up alongside a pair of promising staying three-year-olds in a talented team for New Plymouth trainer John Wheeler at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Legarto catapulted herself into the spotlight in last year’s A$1 million Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m), and Te Akau Racing is hopeful another Kiwi filly can follow suit in the Flemington feature on Saturday.

Te Akau Racing make their presence felt in a volume of top-flight New Zealand races, with Karaka Millions, Guineas, and weight-for-age crowns in constant flow.

Underrated mare Maria Farina outsprinted several of the country’s top gallopers to secure Saturday’s Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie.

Unheralded Almanzor filly Positivity sprang an upset at Ellerslie on Saturday when she fought doggedly in the run home to take out the Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m) and claim her first stakes victory.

Te Akau Racing’s former trainer Jamie Richards had a stranglehold on the Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) on New Zealand Derby Day, and his successors Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson continued that tradition at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Roger James is now the most successful trainer in the history of the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), but even that enormous achievement was overshadowed at Ellerslie on Saturday by the new superstar of his Cambridge stable.

Drakaina’s commanding victory in Saturday’s Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui completed a remarkable rise to prominence for a filly that was bought for just $3,000.

Matamata trainer Cody Cole will be more than happy to let his Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) contender Renegade Rebel (NZ) (El Roca) do what he does best on Saturday.

Stephen Autridge has already made one smart move this week, which has set him up with a stronger hand to play in Saturday’s fillies’ feature at Ellerslie.

While Kelvin Tyler was pleased to take out the Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) with Aberlour (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon) at Ascot Park earlier this month, the Riverton trainer was left scratching his head after stablemate Lady Sass (NZ) (Staphanos) refused to jump from the gates and took no part in the race.

Dual Guineas winner Aberlour’s (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon) racing future lies in Australia, following her majority sale to clients of Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride.

Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman will be looking to secure his first Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in his own right at Ellerslie on Saturday when First Innings contests the Trackside-sponsored feature.

Wexford Stables look to have a strong hand in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday where they will be represented by Group One winner Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and Group One performer Dragon Leap (Pierro).

Group One winner Jon Snow got off the mark as a sire on Thursday when his son King Of The North (NZ) took out the Farewell Dave Bradford (1400m) at Matamata.

Debutante two-year-old Altari (NZ) (Savabeel) produced a smart victory in the Congrats Captured By Love & Te Akau Racing Maiden 2YO (1200m) at Matamata on Thursday.

Winning a Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) is nothing new for Roger James, with the Cambridge trainer looking to extend his tally in the Classic to an even half dozen at Ellerslie on Saturday, while training partner Robert Wellwood will be looking for his first.