On a day where Auckland’s enigmatic weather produced plenty of sunshine combined with heavy showers, stablemates Aromatic (NZ) (Sacred Falls) and Self Obsession (NZ) (Shocking) fought out a thrilling finish in trying conditions to the Gr.3 Pukekohe Traders Counties Cup (2100m).

New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson is keen to head north to Te Rapa next month with five-win gelding Conor O’Ceirin (NZ) (Dial A Prayer) to give him a crack at a Group Three scalp.

There’s no doubt about the sentiment that Casey Lock attaches to Saturday’s Gr.3 Pukekohe Traders Counties Cup (2100m) candidate Viktor Vegas (NZ) (Tavistock) but even accounting for that, she’s adamant he can win.

The last few days have dampened Graham Richardson’s enthusiasm about the prospects of Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) in Saturday’s Gr.3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe.

Joe Doyle has wasted no time in showcasing his riding talent with a dream introduction to New Zealand racing.

Exciting three-year-old Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) is taking on some of the country’s top older sprinters at Pukekohe on Saturday as he looks to put a minor setback behind him.

Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman will saddle Express Princess (NZ) (Express Princess) in the Gr.2 Dunstan Feeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and Ethereal Star in the Listed Barfoot & Thompson Challenge Stakes (1100m).

Melbourne spring carnival star jockey Mick Dee will ride Group One winner Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) in next month’s Gr.1 Rydges Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

The Growler (NZ) (Darci Brahma) will be out to continue his strong southern form when he heads to Ascot Park on Wednesday.

Quality mare Letzbeglam (Snitzel) will bid to add New Zealand black type to her record on Saturday at Pukekohe where she opens a campaign that may see her mix it at Group One level.