Syndicator OTI Racing could be in for a big weekend on both sides of the Tasman with their New Zealand-bred runners.

Strolling Vagabond begins her quest for black type at Awapuni on Friday.

Savvy Coup continued the southern sparkle at Hastings on Thursday when she trumped a smart field of fillies in an impressive dress rehearsal for an upcoming classic challenge.

Roger James had a black type plan in place for Sherrif before he made his first appearance at Pukekohe Park on Wednesday.

An erratic path in the straight wasn’t enough to stop Stolen Gem winning on debut at Pukekohe Park.

Promising filly Milseain will chase further black type in Thursday’s Gr.3 Little Avondale Stud Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings.

Gavin Parker has been robbed of an early chance of a Group One runner with the sale of the gifted three-year-old Xbox to offshore interests.

The connections of Secret Ambition are approaching Saturday’s Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) with more hope than confidence.

Jockey Opie Bosson will be out to add to his Group One haul when he partners Embellish in the Australian Guineas at Flemington.

Wait A Sec has enjoyed a smooth build-up to Sunday’s AFFCO NZ Ltd Wairoa Cup (2100m) ahead of another Group One challenge.

The racing career of New Zealand’s top mare Bonneval is in limbo.

A start in next month's Gr.1 $A1 million Randwick Guineas (1600m) beckons Age Of Fire, should he perform to expectations at Matamata on Saturday.

Gr.1 Auckland Cup winner El Soldado has been retired, denying him a chance to win the 3200m feature as an 11-year-old.

South Island apprentice Tanya Jonker will renew her association with Howie Mathews’ Otaki stable on Saturday.

Promising staying filly Mark Two won’t race again before her autumn Group One target.

Kawi's season might be over, but New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock has a Group One firmly in his sights with another emerging star of his stable.

Promising filly Anythingcouldhappn can take a step closer to a North Island trip when she runs at Ascot Park on Saturday.

Training partners Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards are about to discover how New Zealand and Queensland form equates to Sydney racing when Melody Belle lines up in the Light Fingers Stakes.

Mission Hill has had the better of his barn-mate Vin De Dance in two previous meetings, but the stable isn’t reading too much into that just yet.

Group One winner Age Of Fire will take his place on the Cambridge Stud stallion roster at the conclusion of his racing career.

Lance Robinson is keen to test his stable star Boots ‘N’ All in top northern company.

Magic Chai’s quest for another feature staying event rests with his performance at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Wednesday’s meeting at Te Aroha has gone by the wayside.

The Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Group has a special affinity with the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby and this year they hold a strong hand leading into the prestigious 2400m contest.

Graeme Richardson went to Te Rapa looking for an answer from Xbox and the talented three-year-old gave him an emphatic reply.

Taranaki mare Ladies First struck the first winning blow of her Group One campaign when she was successful at Te Rapa on Tuesday.

Mission Hill has tightened in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) market after his bold showing at Te Rapa.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike took six runners south to Hastings on Thursday and was rewarded when taking out half of the eight race card

Stakes performer Travimyfriend will be heading into unfamiliar territory when he runs at New Plymouth on Saturday.

Valachi Downs stud manager Jonathan Scully took a phone call that no thoroughbred owner wants to receive this morning.

The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained The Mayor could be set for a tilt at the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) after his victory in the Matamata Commercial Cleaners (1600m) at Matamata on Friday.

Punters were happy to take $1.40 about talented three-year-old I Got You at Matamata on Friday and the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained galloper didn’t let them down.

Evergreen galloper Authentic Paddy is in fine fettle as he prepares for Saturday’s Gr.3 Platinum Homes Taranaki Cup (1800m).

Taranaki conditioner Allan Sharrock is licking his lips as he counts down the days until stable star Kawi’s next appearance.

A switch to weight-for-age conditions could see Wingatui galloper Tommy Tucker finally snare success in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) on Saturday.

Princess Dillon is enjoying a quiet time after giving a bold account of herself at Trentham.

Talented mare Euphoria has overcome a set-back and could be back in action on Friday week.

It has been an extremely successful conclusion to the new Book 1 of Karaka 2018, highlighted by total takings already exceeding the entire sales week at Karaka 2017 with three days of selling to go.