New Zealand-bred gelding Kissinger will have the biggest test of his career when he steps out in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday.

Trans-Tasman trainer Michael Moroney will have a two-pronged attack in Saturday’s Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) courtesy of Sound and Milford.

The Collett surname is already well known in Australian racing thanks to the deeds of brother and sister jockey duo Jason and Alysha, but now dad Richard is muscling in on the action.

Race experience proved advantageous as Little Brose (Per Incanto) continued Lindsay Park’s impressive record in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) for two-year-olds to open Zipping Classic Day at Caulfield.

Improved underfoot conditions were the key to Milford returning to winning ways in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Karaka graduate Crosshaven broke a 14-start drought when running out a ready winner of Saturday’s Gr.3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m), holding off game runner-up Norwegian Bliss by a comfortable three-quarters of a length.

Seven-year-old Road To Rock gelding Bonny Ezra provided his Kiwi connections with a good pay day when charging home to land the Listed ATC Cup (2000m) for trainer Chris Waller under a masterful Robbie Dolan ride.

There were scenes of joy at Warrnambool as the John Sargent-trained galloper Bastida (NZ) (Pierro) claimed the A$288,000 Jericho Cup (4652m) on Sunday in front of enthusiastic connections who travelled from New Zealand.

Expat New Zealand trainer John Sargent says his secret to training stayers is fairly simple: get the right horse, and a lot of long, slow work.

Trainer John Sargent had a good reason not to be trackside on Saturday to saddle smart staying mare Gin Martini.