Lightly-tried stakes winning sprinter Ardrossan will offer New Zealand breeders a unique opportunity to tap into a high-class source of speed and class when he begins the second phase of his career later this year at Waikato Stud where he will stand at $8,000+GST.

Trainer John Sargent will have representatives in three states this weekend, headed by New Zealand import House Of Cartier, a recent addition to the stable that will contest the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Leading South Island trainer Matthew Pitman, who trains in partnership with his father Michael, will line-up six runners in the two stakes races at Riccarton on Saturday and he believes the stable has a solid chance of taking out the two features.

Michael Coleman, fresh from Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) success on Supera on Saturday, is looking forward to further black-type Te Rapa success this weekend.

Morrinsville owner Russell Mead has a big decision to make following the upset deadheat victory of his under-rated three-year-old Speedy Meady at Te Rapa on Saturday.

A successful procedure conducted on Friday to remove the metal rods and screws inserted to stabilise her lumbar region following a horror fall in Singapore last October has talented rider Alysha Collett moving full steam into the final stages of her recovery from the incident that has put her career on hold for the past six months.

Gritty two-year-old Bronte Beach is likely to head up a three-pronged attack on the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1100m) for trainer Stephen Marsh at Te Rapa next weekend after her impressive victory at Hastings on Saturday.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike left Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday evening with a satisfied grin on his face despite winning just the one race on the day.

In a thrilling finish to the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) the judge couldn’t separate the pair of Vigor Winner and Speedy Meady who shared victory in the feature Te Rapa contest.

Consistent mare Supera capped an outstanding season’s work when she dominated her rivals in the closing stages when taking out the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Trainer Tony Pike unleashed another eye-catching youngster from his Cambridge-based team when two-year-old filly Subpoena delivered a winning performance on debut at Te Rapa on Saturday.

The South Island Sale will be held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch on Monday 29 April, commencing at 11am.

Group Two winning filly Pinmedown will be back in action at Te Rapa on Saturday when she contests the Maara Grange Rehabilitation And Fencing Premier (1600m). 

Two-year-old gelding Super Pursuit will contest Saturday’s Cambridge Equine Hospital Premier 2YO (1200m) at Te Rapa and trainer Richard Collett is hoping the horse will take improvement from his debut outing at Pukekohe in which he finished second to Ramazzotti in an 800m dash.

Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman is enjoying the build-up to racing at Sha Tin on Sunday as his class sprinter Enzo’s Lad gets set to contest the HK$16 million Gr.1 the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).

Progressive four-year-old Rock On Wood remains unbeaten in his current campaign after scoring his biggest career victory in Thursday’s Listed Manawatu ITM Anzac Mile (1600m) at Awapuni.

Ruakaka galloper Diva Express proved too swift for her two-year-old rivals when she took out the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m) at Avondale on Thursday.

A good percentage of Mark and Cath Lupton's racing team will tackle Saturday's Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Former champion Australasian three-year-old and five-time Group One winner Jimmy Choux has been sold to prominent Western Australian owner-breeder Alan MacAlister and will stand next season at Wayne and Tracy Rodwell’s Rosalee Park Stud in Serpentine.

Westbury Stud have released the fees for their 2019 stallion line-up with Reliable Man and Tarzino heading the roster at $15,000 + GST.

The Richard Collett-trained Mercy Hill is a good chance of making it three successive victories when she contests the Rating 82 Bruce Amies Pharmacy Governor General's Cup (1600m) at Avondale on Thursday.

Lightly raced mare Supera will have her final race of the season in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at the Cambridge Jockey Club’s meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday. 

Jockey Danielle Johnson is back on the horse, so to speak. Johnson has been on the sidelines since mid-November when she sustained three fractures to her collar bone in a race fall at Ruakaka.

The JLT Weanling Walk, organised by the Waikato Branch of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association will take place this Sunday 28th April.

Three generations will again combine when four-year-old gelding Rock On Wood contests Thursday’s Listed Manawatu ITM Anzac Mile (1600m) at Awapuni.

Thursday’s Listed Manawatu ITM Anzac Mile (1600m) at Awapuni looms as the final run for the season for Group One winner Shadows Cast.

A comfortable victory at the Waverley trials earlier this month has confirmed a start in Saturday’s Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for promising three-year-old Lincoln Falls.

Cambridge trainer John Bell enjoyed a top day out at Rotorua on Monday where he produced a winning race-to-race double.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh has confirmed a hit and run mission to Melbourne for Hawke’s Bay Cup winner, Felaar.

Six-year-old stayer Rock On has arrived in Victoria and has joined the stable of Peter Gelagotis at his Moe base. 

It’s not often you find the owner of a Group Three winner at Royal Randwick happily ensconced on his tractor cutting grass less than twenty-four hours after such a notable victory.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman training partnership set a new record for the most victories at stakes level in a New Zealand season when Quick Thinker took out the Listed Buffalo & Co Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have gained a consolation win at the Sydney carnival with The Chosen One's victory in the Gr.3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick.

A truly run race set up the perfect conditions for Cambridge three-year-old Lord Arthur who stormed to victory in the Gr.2 Valachi Downs Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie.

Former Australian galloper Endless Drama backed up an eye-catching finish for second at Hastings last week to go one better at Ellerslie on Saturday when he took out the Gr.2 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m).

Locally trained mare Lil Miss Swiss caused a major boil-over when she nabbed hot favourite Orepuki Lad in the shadows of the winning post to capture the Listed Carriers Arms Hotel Riverton Cup (2147m) on Saturday.

Venerable Kiwi stayer Sampson has arrived in Victoria and is settling into life on the Mornington Peninsula with trainer Howie Mathews refusing to commit to any plans until the gelding tells him he is the best version of himself.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is looking forward to his progressive filly Glinda Goodwitch stepping up to 1600m when she tackles Saturday’s Listed Buffalo & Co Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie.

In an act of generosity, Valachi Downs principals Kevin and Jo Hickman have gifted a regally bred filly to the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust, founded by Little Avondale Stud’s Catriona Williams.

The Graham and Michael Eade-trained Orepuki Lad has taken out two southern cups this season and the Riverton galloper is being set to add another to the mantle when he contests his home cup on Saturday.

Nigel Tiley has no expectation that he can repeat his Gr.2 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) win of last year, despite having twice the hand in Saturday's Ellerslie feature.

Three-year-old filly Avantage is being sent for a spell following two good performances in Sydney and will likely be sent back across the Tasman in spring.  

Windsor Park Stud shuttle stallion Charm Spirit was provided with his third stakes winner when Qatar Racing’s three-year-old colt Kick On lead throughout to land the Listed Feilden Stakes (1800m) at Newmarket. 

Racing Minister Winston Peters says the Government will introduce two new pieces of legislation this year to revitalise the domestic racing industry.

Trainer Tony Pike has all bases covered with his quintet of runners set to tackle Saturday’s bumper meeting at Ellerslie.

Talented two-year-old filly Folk Dress made it back-to-back wins on her home track when successful in the Matamata Glass & Joinery (1000m) on Wednesday.

In less than two weeks, 61 southern bred yearlings will make their sale ring appearance at New Zealand Bloodstock’s South Island Sale – many presented by the same vendors of stakes-winning graduates of the Sale.

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood were ecstatic with Rondinella’s Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) fourth-placing at Randwick on Saturday and they are now eyeing spring spoils with their mare, with a potential Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) tilt on the cards.

The Chosen One will end his Australian campaign on Saturday, while stablemate Bobby Dee will be endeavouring to secure a trip across the Tasman when he competes at Ellerslie the same day.

It has been more than 20 years since Ready Teddy and Blyth Tait set the benchmark of what can be achieved with an off the track thoroughbred.

Two additional races have been added to the racing calendar at Yulong Jockey Club exclusively for New Zealand Bloodstock graduates, highlighting the growing relationship between China and New Zealand.

Champion New Zealand mare Melody Belle has been the subject of a significant overseas offer to purchase her as a broodmare, but connections of the six-time Group One winner have rejected the offer.

Haunui Farm has announced Iffraaj and Belardo will be returning to New Zealand for the 2019 breeding season.

The young Fastnet Rock stallion, Highly Recommended, has been relocated to the South Island nursery, Berkley Stud, for the 2019 stud season. 

Makfi mare Moyrabella proved once again her determination to win, adding a fifth victory in superb style at Wingatui last week. 

He’s Eminent is pressing on to Hong Kong despite a shock lack-lustre performance against the world champion Winx at Randwick on Saturday.

Quality New Zealand juvenile Probabeel will not contest Saturday’s Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick despite finding the line well in the Gr.1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) when beaten less than two lengths by Microphone.

Talented galloper Adrossan recorded two further Group placings in his recent Australian campaign but he has joined the injured list and is returning home to trainer Stephen Marsh’s Cambridge barn for rehabilitation.

Debutant Kali stamped herself as a filly to follow when she eased to an effortless victory over 1300m at Hastings on Saturday.

Approaching the home turn in Saturday’s Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m), Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow had the feeling something special was about to unfold in front of him.

Matamata trainer Jamie Richards arrived back in New Zealand late on Saturday night with the knowledge his class filly Avantage had done all she could to secure her third placing in Saturday’s Gr.2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick.

The result of Sunday’s three-year-old feature at Te Rapa was ultimately decided by the judicial committee after the protest siren sounded shortly after runners crossed the finish line in the 1200m contest

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka May Sale has played a leading part in the recent successes of Group One winners Yourdeel (NZ) (Dundeel) and Gingernuts (NZ) (Iffraaj). Not only has the Sale been a source of top performers, but also a commonplace for the practice of pinhooking.

Newly-licensed Malaysian apprentice jockey Riduan Abu Bakar got his Singapore riding career off to a flying start with a winner at only his second ride at his first day at the office at Kranji on Friday night.

Matamata visitor Princess Kereru signed off on an A+ report card for her current campaign when she scored a hollow victory in the Listed NZB Finance Sprint (1200m) at Hastings on Saturday.

If on-course patrons at Riccarton thought the noise after Who Dares Wins won last week was at fever pitch it got even louder on Saturday when he backed up to take out the Gr.3 Coca-Cola Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m).

Classy three-year-old Beyond The Fort franked her gritty runner-up effort in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) last month with a comprehensive victory in Saturday’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton.

An inch-perfect ride by Leith Innes saw him guide race-favourite Felaar to a brave victory in Saturday’s Listed Royston Hospital Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) at Hastings.

Chris Waller believes the best is still to come for Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) after she stamped her class on the Group One Australian Oaks with another dominant win.

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have experienced a stellar first season in partnership and they are hoping to continue that success when they line-up Rondinella in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Ruakaka trainers Chris Gibbs and Michelle Bradley are daring to dream that they can cause a massive upset at Randwick on Saturday when they take on the world’s best racehorse, Winx, in her last raceday appearance.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is bullish about the prospects of talented stayer Felaar in Saturday’s Listed Royston Hospital Hawke's Bay Cup (2200m). 

The Stephen Autridge-trained Woodcote Lass could be set to tackle black-type company in the near future after her gutsy maiden victory at Arawa Park on Friday.

Matamata trainer Jamie Richards is hoping it will be a successful weekend on both sides of the Tasman for his runners and he is particularly looking forward to watching the performances of two close relations.

The White Robe Lodge crew will be cheering on their home-bred horses in feature races on both sides of the Tasman on Saturday.

Following an extensive consultation process New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has reduced the number of racing venues to close from the 2019/20 season to seven.

The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Sir Charles Road will be looking to continue his love affair with Sydney on Saturday when he lines up in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick.

Having ventured into the thoroughbred breeding industry just 10 years ago, Greg Tomlinson’s Nearco Stud has quickly made its mark with Hong Kong Horse of the Year Beauty Generation one of a number of high-class gallopers carrying the NS brand.

Consensus will be attempting to put a ray of sunshine into an emotional week for the family of popular trainer Trevor McKee when she chases a Group One win at Randwick on Saturday.

This year's jumps racing season will be without one of its stars after the death of Monarch Chimes.

The pride of Waverley, Glory Days, has arrived in Sydney ahead of her tilt at Saturday’s A$2 million Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick.

Consistent Horowhenua galloper Dolcetto will tackle 2200m for the first time on Saturday when he lines-up in the Listed Royston Hospital Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m), but his trainer Sylvia Kay doesn’t think it will be an issue for her gelding.

Quality New Zealand filly Avantage will contest Saturday’s Gr.2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick and trainer Jamie Richards is pleased with the progression of the daughter of Fastnet Rock ahead of the A$1 million event.

Central Districts jockey Jonathan Parkes had a day to remember at Otaki on Wednesday, riding home five winners on the eight race card.

Matamata trainer Peter McKay will be keeping a close eye on the weather forecast ahead of the Gr.2 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie later this month.

Quality three-year-old Surely Sacred will head to the spelling paddock for a well-deserved break after a rewarding Classic season.

Four-year-old mare Marzemino has been a work in progress for Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams, but the penny looks to be dropping judging by her strong win over 1200m in rating 82 grade at Te Aroha on Saturday.

The Sir Mark Todd-trained entire He’s Eminent resumed from a lengthy layoff with a gallant front-running display in the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill three weeks ago and his connections are hoping he can replicate that performance at Randwick on Saturday.

Group One winner On the Rocks will attempt to add another black-type win to his record at Ellerslie later this month when he contests the Gr.2 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m).

Wayne Hillis will be looking to pick up a bit more holiday money when he heads to Sydney on Tuesday with his talented three-year-old filly Imelda Mary.

Goodwood Stud principal William Fell received a late wedding present on Saturday when Nicoletta won the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha.

New Zealand jumper Zed Em created history when winning the A$100,000 Von Doussa Steeplechase (3250m) at Oakbank in South Australia on Sunday in the hands of Steve Pateman.

Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards is pleased with the way both Probabeel (Gr.1 Sires’, 1400m) and In A Twinkling (Gr.1 Australian Derby, 2400m) have come through their respective runs for fifth in Sydney on Saturday and consideration will be given to whether the former presses on this campaign. 

Amidst the aftermath of the celebrations for popular mare Nicoletta scoring her maiden Group One win at Te Aroha on Saturday another milestone slipped under the guard of many people.

A bold plan to land a Group One came up a neck short for talented mare Supera on Saturday when she finished a gallant runner-up in the Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha.

Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso and Mark Donoghue had set the four-year-old Savabeel mare for the race after she finished midfield in the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic (1600m) at Otaki in February.

After enjoying a perfect run three-back on the fence throughout, Supera produced a resolute home straight burst to get closest to all-the-way winner Nicoletta.

“She went a top race but just couldn’t quite get to that other mare,” Ken Kelso said.

“She tends to go her best races on the fresh side, so we set her for this race after Otaki where she didn’t get the rub of the green on a surface that was too wet for her.

“She had worked up well leading into Saturday, so we thought she was a good chance, but the winner just got some soft sectionals in front, which can happen at Te Aroha and we couldn’t quite peg her back.”

Kelso reported the mare had pulled up well from her exertions and would now be set for the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on April 27.

“While she has been fresh the 1600m has suited her, but we think her future is over 2000m or more,” he said.

“She ate up nicely on Saturday night and was very bright this morning so the plan is to go to the Travis next and then she might head to the paddock after that.

“She’s only lightly raced so there is plenty ahead of her and we think that next season could be her best.”

The Kelso/Donoghue team didn’t leave Te Aroha empty-handed though, as promising three-year-old Ginger King broke his maiden status with a convincing victory over 1200m earlier in the day.

The O’Reilly gelding had finished runner-up at his first start and that experience stood him in good stead as he produced a sharp home-straight sprint to score comfortably.

“He’s a promising type who made good improvement from his debut run where he ran into a smart type on the day,” Kelso said.

“That was a decent maiden field on the weekend and he did it in a manner to suggest there might be more in store for him.

“He doesn’t mind a little cut in the track, so we will press on with him until the really deep winter tracks take over.”

Canterbury trainer Lance Robinson has suffered a major loss after stable star Boots ‘N’ All passed away during the week after suffering an adverse reaction to an antibiotic.

Showcasing filly Intrigue provided her connections with plenty to think about when she dominated her three-year-old rivals when scoring over 2100m in the second race of the day.

After enjoying a successful day at Te Aroha on Saturday with Group One winner Nicoletta and promising three-year-old Santa Catarina, owner Lib Petagna and his familiar lime, blue and gold colours were to the fore again on Sunday when speedy two-year-old Ramazzotti scored over 800m on debut at Pukekohe.

A potential trip to the Queensland Winter Carnival is in line for promising three-year-old Riding The Wave after he produced a stunning display at Te Aroha on Saturday.

Local runner Who Dares Wins upset the favourites when he produced a bold finishing burst to capture his first win at stakes level when scoring in the Listed Christchurch Casino Easter Cup (1600m).

Consistent filly Secret Allure made a successful return to Riccarton on Saturday when she stormed home to capture the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m).

Gritty mare Nicoletta is no longer a bridesmaid at the elite level after claiming her maiden Group One title in Saturday’s Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha.

The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained Gallant Boy will head into the Listed Christchurch Casino Easter Cup (1600m) in a freshened state and his connections believe he is ready to make it back-to-back stakes victories on Saturday

Popular Australian jockey Tommy Berry will have plenty of New Zealand race fans cheering him on this Saturday when the first day of The Championships gets underway at Royal Randwick.

Trainer Jamie Richards is delighted with the condition of quality Kiwi filly Probabeel as she prepares to tackle a hot line-up in the Gr.1 Sires’ (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, which includes the first two placegetters from the Gr.1 Golden Slipper (1200m) and highly-touted juvenile Castelvecchio.

Cambridge galloper Fiscal Fantasy had to call on all her reserves on Friday to take out the Gr.3 Property Brokers Arohanui Hospice Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m) at Awapuni.

Former thoroughbred trainer Trevor McKee (ONZM) has passed away at the age of 81, triggering an outpouring of tributes for the much-loved member of the New Zealand racing fraternity. 

Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller will line-up two New Zealand-bred fillies in the Gr.3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday and believes both runners will be competitive in the race.

Allan Sharrock will chase black-type at two venues this week with family members of one of his best racehorses, Shez Sinsational.

Talented jumper Macklemore proved far too good for the opposition when winning the Ray Stevens & Heather Tasker Memorial Jumpers Highweight 2050 at Wanganui on Thursday and is in the frame for a trip across the Tasman.

Matamata trainer Graham Richardson is grateful that Volpe Veloce has the ability to match her good looks.

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood haven’t completely closed the door on quality mare Rondinella lining up in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 13.

Resident Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto has already recorded two Group One wins as a sire this year and the Wairarapa farm has subsequently increased his service fee to $17,500+GST for the forthcoming breeding season.

Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow took Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Glory Days to Wanganui for a gallop between races on Thursday and was not entirely pleased with the hit-out.

Experienced racing administrator and Chief Executive Cameron George is to join the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board.

Group Three-winning mare Supera will have her second tilt at Group One glory at Te Aroha on Saturday when she contests the Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

Just over two years ago, Jacksstar suffered a tendon injury when finishing third in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m). For most five-year-old geldings that would have been the end of their career, but not for “Jack”, the recent winner of the Gr.2 City of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m).

The Ken and Bev Kelso and Mark Donoghue-trained Princess Kereru will have one final assignment to cap off what has been an outstanding season for the five-year-old sprinter.

Jockey Jonathan Riddell will cover plenty of territory this weekend in search of a Trans-Tasman Group race double.

Hard on the heels of announcing the acquisition of top rated three-year-old Almanzor last year, Cambridge Stud has acquired the southern hemisphere breeding rights to World Champion three-year-old Roaring Lion.

Waikato Stud’s resident sire Savabeel headed the list for number of mares covered during the 2018 breeding season. The four-time champion New Zealand sire covered 182 mares which was up on last year’s tally of 167.

Tony Pike will be honouring a promise to Golden Slipper-winning jockey Damian Lane at Randwick on Saturday.

While Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman didn’t take out the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni last Saturday, they are excited for the future with talented two-year-olds Aretha and Holy Mongolemperor.

A holiday in Rarotonga has Awapuni jockey Tim Johnson keen to resume his riding career.

Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have two contenders for the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in Zacada and Vin De Dance, but the pair will have to perform this weekend to warrant a start in the two-mile feature.

Handy stayer Big Mike was back in action at the Avondale trials on Tuesday and impressed his trainers ahead of a campaign that is likely to include another trip across the Tasman.

Even being brought down to the earth with a thud in the final event at Ellerslie on Saturday didn’t dampen a memorable day for the Japanese-born apprentice Taiki Yanagida.

Grangewilliam Stud principal Mark Corcoran experienced one of his biggest moments in racing on the weekend when Verry Elleegant secured Group One glory in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.

Quality Te Akau two-year-olds Yourdeel and Equinox may have just entered their spelling paddocks, but trainer Jamie Richards is already looking forward to their return and is eyeing some rich Classic spoils in the spring with the pair.

Injured jockey Tony Allan will have a better idea of a possible return to race riding after a specialist appointment on April 15.