Peter and Dawn Williams have fond memories in past editions of the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m), and the Byerley Park trainers are hoping another crown lies ahead with Desert Lightning on Saturday.
A strong start to the season sees Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott sitting fourth on the New Zealand trainers’ premiership with 19 wins, and the Matamata pair can continue their form with another big and talented team of weekend runners.
Lance Noble is sending just one horse down to Wellington this weekend, hoping his rising star Habana can deal to some unfinished business in the race now known as the Gr. 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham.
Highly talented three-year-old Lupo Solitario has pleased Matamata trainer Danica Guy in the build-up to his return to racing, but a last-minute setback has cast some doubt over his participation in Saturday’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe.
Globetrotting Swedish jockey Ulrika Holmquist has made a homecoming of sorts, returning to New Zealand to ride for the summer.
After making an enormous impression in his first three starts in the spring, all eyes will be on Lupo Solitario when he returns to action against a small field in Saturday’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe.
Prise De Fer was rewarded for his consistency when recording his first elite-level victory in the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham last year, and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are hoping for a repeat dose in this year’s edition, when run as the TAB Classic on Saturday.
Cannon Hill’s performance in Saturday’s age group feature at Pukekohe will determine the summer path for the colt.
Fashion Icon has made a stylish start to her career and she looks to have another gilt-edged opportunity on Saturday to again star on the Trentham stage.
Adam I Am made quite the impression with his two eye-catching wins over spring and trainer Glenn Old said he has returned a more furnished animal ahead of summer racing.
It’s been more than a year since New Zealand punters have seen Aegon step out on raceday in his homeland, but they will get their fix of the gelding when he lines-up in the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) on Saturday.
Well-performed stayer Uareastar is back in work with Marton trainer Fraser Auret to build toward another extreme distance target.
