When Tony and Calvin McEvoy purchased So Unusual (NZ) (Unusual Suspect) from New Zealand late last year, the trainers told their ownership group that he was a nice horse and could be a Ballarat Cup horse.

Liam Howley was a nervous man this week as he waited to hear whether Virtuous Circle (NZ) (Almanzor) had made the field for the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Top-class mare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) has taken no harm from her courageous effort in the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) with the focus now on a date against her own sex.

Smart four-year-old mare Gin Martini claimed a deserved Group Three victory when successful in the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

New Zealand-bred star Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) has plundered further riches for his owners when taking the lion’s share of the A$5 million prize following a comfortable victory in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday.

Chico Sonado (NZ) (Zed) has a long way to go to reach the lofty heights of his three-quarter sister Verry Elleegant (NZ), but his connections believe he has inherited some of the family talent.

Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) will be seeking redemption when he heads to Sandown next month to contest the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m).