The significance of having a runner in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) has yet to fully dawn on Bill Pomare, but he has a fair idea of when that might happen.

Victories by Oseleta (Deep Field) at Awapuni and Global Currency (NZ) (Tavistock) at Tauranga on Saturday capped off a wonderful 24-hour period for trainer Stephen Marsh who had also taken out the first three races on the card at Hawera on Friday.

Securing an ideal inside barrier draw has put the final piece in the puzzle for the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) ahead of Tuesday’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

Promising galloper Frontman cast aside a disappointing run at his last start when he showed his true class with an outstanding victory at Tauranga in the Listed PRH Transport Trophy (1600m).

Quality mare House Of Cartier (Alamosa) proved a class above her rivals when she took out the Listed Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at Awapuni.

Trainer Rudy Liefting had been expecting a forward showing on debut from his three-year-old filly Stars ‘N’ Cream (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), but even he wasn’t prepared for what unfolded in the first race at Tauranga on Saturday.

You could hear the cheers at Haunui Farm a mile away on Thursday afternoon.

This week South Island apprentice Yong Chew will receive just under $49,000 – money raised by Go Racing through their golf tournament and auction.

Richard Collett has two strong winning chances at Tauranga, including Sweet Clementine (NZ) (Sweet Orange) in the feature event on the card, and he will also be keeping a close watch on a potentially massive pay day for his children in Sydney.

Having readjusted to the South Island pace of life, Jamie Richards is banking on having the final piece of his Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) jigsaw trained to the minute for Ashburton on Sunday.

Aigne (NZ) (Sufficient) finished sixth in the Jericho Cup (4600m) two years ago and owner and former trainer Neil O’Dowd is keen to have another crack at the Warrnambool feature next month.

Tannahill (NZ) (Star Witness) was a special horse to former trainer Andrew Campbell and he hasn’t taken long to endear himself to his new handlers.

You would be forgiven for thinking Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock) had found himself in a Highweight at Awapuni on Saturday.

Uncertainty regarding COVID Alert Levels has resulted in the Board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) once again moving to a virtual format for the Horse of the Year Awards.

Snitzel colt Meritable is likely to be the only Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) representative for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Amy Doran’s faith in a mare who bled and then put her leg through a fence has led to her first victory as a trainer.

It is all systems go towards the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) for gutsy filly Bellacontte (NZ) (Burgundy).

Aegon’s (NZ) (Sacred Falls) co-trainer and part-owner Andrew Forsman can only hope Lady Luck will be riding on jockey Jason Collett’s shoulder in their quest for a share of Rosehill’s pot of gold this weekend.

TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) provides the second monthly trading update for the 2021/2022 financial year, with the results and highlights for September 2021.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is seeking stakeholder feedback on a variety of new initiatives designed to improve the racing product and boost returns to participants.

‘There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man’ is a famed quote from Winston Churchill.

Andrew Carston believes Art De Triomphe’s (NZ) (Vadamos) best shot at Classic glory on her home track next month will be against her own sex.

It was a memorable weekend for Trelawney Stud principals Brent and Cherry Taylor, with three of their racing team carrying their green, red, and gold silks to victory, including two at stakes level.

Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta is waiting to see what horses remain in the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before deciding whether to take Platinum Machine (Free Eagle) south to Riccarton for the race.

Auckland is set to host its first thoroughbred race meeting this season at Pukekohe Park on November 11.

Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards continued his run of success over the long weekend as he produced a winning double at Te Rapa on Monday.

New Zealand Bloodstock have made the decision to host their 2021 Ready To Run Sale of 2YOs online.

Unbeaten galloper Fiery Red (NZ) (Iffraaj) will be out to enhance Winton trainer Sophie Price’s enviable strike rate over the past couple of seasons when she tackles the Thomas Green 1200 at Gore on Wednesday.

The depth of the three-year-old talent in the Te Akau Racing team was clearly on display on Saturday, with trainer Jamie Richards producing black-type victories at both Matamata and Riccarton.

Promising South Island stayer Southern Ocean (NZ) (Ocean Park) showed he is on target for his tilt at the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) in three weeks when he took out the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m) at Riccarton.

Trainer Steven Cole may have to lift his sights with two-year-old Mascarinto (NZ) after the son of Per Incanto made a mess of his rivals on debut over 1000m at Matamata on Saturday.

Group Three winning mare House Of Cartier (Alamosa) will head to Saturday week’s Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at Awapuni after finishing a game fifth in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) last weekend.

Triple Group One winner Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) has been cleared by Racing Victoria vets to contest Saturday’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m)

In-form rider Craig Grylls will partner promising filly Aris Aris (NZ) (Contributer) for Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer in the Gr.3 Matamata Veterinary Services Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Matamata on Saturday as she builds towards the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).

Trainer Stephen Marsh holds a decent hand in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Matamata on Saturday with debut winner Eva Chiara (NZ) (Savabeel) ($7) and Dubai Diva (Pride of Dubai) ($31), who has been luckless in recent outings, to represent his in-form stable.

Mackenzie Lad (NZ) (Vespa) is primed to showcase his Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 2000 Guineas (1600m) credentials when he tackles Saturday’s Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.

Top-class three-year-old Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) has been scratched from Saturday’s Gr. 3 Matamata Veterinary Services Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) after pulling a muscle in her hindquarters.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike is confident Field of Gold (Starspangledbanner) will handle the step up in class and distance when he steps out in Saturday’s Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.

The Michelle Bradley-trained C’est Une Star (NZ) (Star Witness) produced an eye-catching last-to-first victory at Tauranga on Wednesday over 1600m in the manner of a mare that has more wins in store.

New Zealand jumpers will be running for significantly better stakes next year.

Gore trainer Ellis Winsloe says Irish Excuse (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) is at the crossroads of his career, with his performance in the Ray Kean Life Membership 1200 at Wingatui on Thursday going a long way to determining his future.

Gore trainer Ellis Winsloe says Irish Excuse is at the crossroads of his career, with his performance in the Ray Kean Life Membership 1200 at Wingatui on Thursday going a long way to determining his future.

Cambridge trainer Ben Foote will be represented by four runners at Tauranga on Wednesday and can’t single one above any other, considering them all serious winning prospects.

The Canterbury Jockey Club has announced that due to the ongoing uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions and the rules for operating under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, the difficult decision to restrict attendance to 2000 people a day for the New Zealand Cup Meetings has been made.

Graham Richardson has four runners entered for Matamata on Saturday, but he’s keeping just as close an eye on an Australian race three days beforehand.

Star jockey Opie Bosson is inching his way closer to a return to raceday riding.

Karaka trainer Lance Noble might be frustrated by the on-going Auckland lockdown, but can take solace from the fact his horses continue to perform well on the racetrack.

Quality performer Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock) bounced back from his worst career performance in the best possible fashion with a stylish victory in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua on Sunday.

Underrated mare Sweet Clementine (NZ) (Sweet Orange) backed up a gritty win on a heavy track over 2000m at Matamata at her last start with her first stakes victory when she produced a powerful late finish to take the major honours in Sunday’s Listed Staphanos Classic (1950m) at Rotorua.

Noted fresh-up performer Two Illicit provided another example of her undoubted ability when she cruised to victory in the Gr. 3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings.

A picture-perfect ride by Danielle Johnson ensured quality staying mare Savy Yong Blonk was given every opportunity to succeed at Hastings on Saturday and she duly delivered with an outstanding victory in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m).

Visiting Cambridge filly There You Go firmed into the clear favourite for next month’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton after dominating her rivals in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton.

Rotorua has become a happy stomping ground for Katie Perrie and she will be aiming to continue her good record at Arawa Park on Sunday in the Gr.3 Staphanos Classic (1950m).

The anticipated sale of unbeaten three-year-old Te Toki is off the table after negotiations with an Australian party fell through.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Robusto will have just her second tilt at elite level when she lines-up in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on Saturday.

It’s crunch time for Te Akau Racing’s three-year-olds as Matamata trainer Jamie Richards looks to enhance the operation’s remarkable record in the Guineas races at Riccarton.

Aegon’s (NZ) (Sacred Falls) A$7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) tilt is back on track after he pleased when comfortably winning his 1225m trial at Taupo on Thursday.

Talented galloper Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) could get to walk in the shoes of one of Matamata trainer Jamie Richards’ best horses with a bold run in Saturday’s Gr.3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings.

New Zealand-bred gelding Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock) will be looking to score just his second career win on Saturday in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Group Two winner Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock) will try to get his spring preparation back on track at Arawa Park on Sunday when he lines-up in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m).

Trainer Andrew Carston will get a fair idea of whether he should press on to the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) next month with Art De Triomphe (NZ) (Vadamos) after she takes on the boys this weekend.

Cambridge trainer Catherine Cameron is looking forward to having her first Group One runner at Hastings on Saturday, but unfortunately she won’t be able to be trackside to experience it.

Te Aroha trainer Peter Lock has resisted the urge to send his topflight galloper Hiflyer (NZ) (Tavistock) to Hastings this weekend in favour of a Trentham test later this month.

Graeme Rogerson is confident Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) is ready to show he can beat the best away from Awapuni.

Exciting three-year-old Wakari (NZ) (Vespa) will have his final hit-out ahead of his trip south to Riccarton next month when he contests the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainer Series 3YO 1300 at Hastings on Saturday.

As Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) heads to the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) and Prise de Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) looks toward the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m), another of the major players in the Hawke’s Bay spring features has headed to the paddock.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has announced it will be contributing over $2 million towards stakes at Ellerslie and Pukekohe Park this season.

The potential sale of promising three-year-colt Mana Nui (NZ) (No Nay Never) has been put on hold for the time being with the dashing son of No Nay Never now set to contest the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa on October 25.

A barnstorming finish for second behind Delphi (Galileo) in Saturday’s Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield indicated the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) is right at his peak for a third tilt at the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this coming weekend.

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood will make a two-pronged attack on Saturday’s Gr.3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings, which is shaping as a strong contest.

Underrated veteran mare Magic Incanto (NZ) (Per Incanto) provided both trainer Fred Pratt and rider Mereana Hudson with a major career milestone when she upset the applecart to take out the Gr.3 Wyndspelle @ Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera.

Topweight Vernanme (NZ) (O’Reilly) proved too tough for his rivals when he produced a gritty effort to take out Saturday’s Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m).

Flashy chestnut filly Gwen Stephani (NZ) (El Roca) showed she had taken plenty from an unplaced debut run at Whanganui last month when she rocketed home to claim victory at just her second start at Matamata on Saturday.

A select racing string alongside a breaking and pre-training business is just one facet of the busy life led by talented horseman Chad Ormsby.

Leading Southland trainers Kelvin and Aimee Tyler are looking forward to racing at Ascot Park on Sunday where they will have a strong contingent of runners.

Trainer Jamie Richards is hoping third time’s the charm with five-win mare Festivity (NZ) (I Am Invincible).

The Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained Crowning Star (Hallowed Crown) will be in search of her first stakes scalp when she heads to Hawera on Saturday for the Gr.3 Wyndspelle @ Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).

An additional race has been added to the popular New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Trainers Series, with a 1300m three-year-old event at Hawke’s Bay on October 16.

Race meetings scheduled to take place this week will continue despite the extension of the COVID-19 Alert Level 3 border in Waikato.

Trainer Chrissy Bambry will attempt a rare feat on Saturday when high-class three-year-old Bellacontte (NZ) (Burgundy) takes on the older mares in the Gr.3 Wyndspelle @ Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera.

Group One ambitions go on the line for promising Christchurch filly Aerial Blue (Air Force Blue) at Timaru on Friday.

Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have set their sights on another Derby triumph in Australia.

The Stephen Nickalls-trained mare Llanacord (NZ) (Contributer) will be seen back at Hawke’s Bay on the final day of their spring carnival for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on October 16.

As a member of one of racing’s best-known families, Awapuni horseman Peter Didham is hardly a surprise package in the country’s training ranks.

Progressive three-year-old Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir) got off the mark in fine style when winning a maiden over 1300m at Taupo on Wednesday.

Popular Central Districts jockey Robbie Hannam is set to make a return to raceday riding at Awapuni on Thursday.

Talented three-year-old Hoard The Bourbon (NZ) (Iffraaj) was one of the eye-catching runners in last Saturday’s Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and trainer Stephen Marsh is keen to push on towards the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 6.

NZTR is pleased to announce that the Wanganui Jockey Club, the Waverley Racing Club, the Ashburton Racing Club, the West Coast circuit and Gallop South will be the next beneficiaries of NZTR’s Stakes Innovation Fund.

Matamata trainer Vicki Prendergast was delighted with the return of stable star Our Alley Cat (NZ) (Atlante) at Hawke’s Bay last weekend and is eyeing a series of Group races to add to the residual value of the five-year-old mare.

The first set of trials was conducted on the newly installed synthetic track at Riccarton on Tuesday, with the new surface receiving the full support of some of the major players in the region.

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are continuing to be patient with their high-class galloper Dragon Leap (Pierro) as he attempts to come back from an injury-plagued four-year-old season.

It’s taken more than six months, but Timaru horseman Peter Corbett has moved on from personal tragedy and got his training mojo back.

Apprentice jockey Kozzi Asano charged up the leading jockeys’ table when landing five winners at Riccarton on Saturday, with his tally of 14 victories for the season placing him third on the premiership behind Lisa Allpress (19) and Michael McNab (16).

The racing industry has a reputation for rallying to support its participants when times are tough and right now someone in need of that support is South Island jockey Yong Chew.

Jumps jockey Emily Farr has been discharged from hospital after suffering injuries from her fall aboard Kaharau (Ad Valorem) in the Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) at Te Aroha on Sunday.

South Auckland trainer Steven Cole elected to bypass last Saturday’s Gr.2 Dundeel At Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) with Magneto (NZ) (Showcasing) in favour of a softer target closer to home this week.

As at Monday 4 October 6:00pm

Earlier this afternoon, the New Zealand Government announced that Auckland will remain in Alert Level 3 until a date yet to be determined. As previously announced yesterday, Hamilton, Raglan and some northern Waikato areas will be in Alert Level 3 until at least 11:59pm on Friday 8 October.

Daniel Moor saw enough from Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock) in Saturday’s Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) to know he’s a legitimate Gr. 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) contender, but he still thinks Incentivise is the horse to beat.

After competing for the full six-kilometre distance of a gruelling Diprose Miller Great Northern Steeplechase (6200m), less than half a length separated eventual winner Te Kahu (NZ) (Zacinto) from gallant runner-up Zartan (NZ) (Zed) at Te Aroha on Sunday.

A thrilling victory by Justacanta (NZ) (Per Incanto) in Saturday’s Listed Paris Lane Stakes (1410m) at Flemington saw the successful culmination of a plan hatched by trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy after the now eight-year-old had completed his summer campaign in March this year.

A comfortable victory by Miss Tycoon Rose (Written Tycoon) at Riccarton on Saturday provided co-trainer Michael Pitman with more than the usual satisfaction of a job well done.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike took a big team south to Riccarton on Saturday and dominated proceedings, winning five of the 11 races on the day.

Hometown hero Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) booked his ticket for a shot at the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley later this month when he took out the second leg of the Hawke’s Bay triple crown on Saturday, the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings.

Despite providing trainer Chad Ormsby with some mid-race jitters, promising three-year-old colt Mana Nui (NZ) (No Nay Never) delivered when it counted as he claimed victory in the Gr.2 Dundeel At Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m).

Tevere (NZ) (Contributer) recorded her second win at just her fourth start at Te Rapa on Friday when winning the Dunstan Recovery Mash 1200.

New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduate Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) resumed in the best possible way when winning the Phill Cataldo Bloodstock 1200m at Te Rapa on Friday.

Trainer Tony Pike unearthed a pair of smart three-year-olds at Te Rapa on Friday in the form of The Landing (NZ) (Tivaci) and Pareanui Bay (NZ) (Lonhro), who provided the Cambridge horseman with a race-to-race double.

To own a share in a Group One winner is a dream for any young racing fan, and for siblings Jamie and Casey Lock that dream has come true.

Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergerson has a host of promising three-year-olds including Wakari (NZ) (Vespa) and Nest Egg (NZ) (Reliable Man) who will clash in Saturday’s Gr.2 Dundeel At Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m).

For many stables and syndicators, horses recruited from New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale and the lucrative prizemoney on offer in Australia are proving to be a winning combination.