Multiple Group One performer Young Werther has relished racing in lesser-grade, with the Danny O’Brien-trained son of Tavistock lumping 61.5kgs to score in the Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank Handicap (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday.
Handy staying mare Donatrice has claimed an all-important metropolitan victory, when scoring in the Ladbrokes Challenger Handicap (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday.
Already enjoying a red-letter day at Hastings on Saturday after completing stakes victories with Tokyo Tycoon and Quintessa, it got even better for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson when progressive mare Skew Wiff got the upperhand on her last start nemesis, Dragon Leap, to collect the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m).
Local galloper Bezique has booked a ticket south later in the spring with a decisive, front-running victory over 1400m on his home track at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Te Akau Racing’s new Victorian stable got off to the perfect start when star Kiwi mare Imperatriz made a stunning reappearance at The Valley on Saturday, cruising to victory in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m).
Exciting galloper Quintessa provided the blue and tangerine silks of Te Akau Racing with their second stakes victory and third win in succession at Hastings on Saturday when she stormed home from near the back of a quality field to take out the Gr.3 HBPB Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).
Last season’s outstanding two-year-old Tokyo Tycoon showed he is right on target for some lofty goals this season with a professional display to dispose of his three-year-old rivals in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings.
Talented four-year-old gelding Bunker Hut provided his new connections with a dream start when he powered to a first-up victory at Rosehill on Saturday.
Stablemates Orchestral and Paragon hold upcoming Group One nominations, although connections are approaching the business end of the spring with flexibility.
Last season’s standout juvenile Tokyo Tycoon is set to get his spring preparation underway when he heads to Hastings on Saturday to contest the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).
A big target has been placed on Legarto’s back as she heads to the Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday as a $3.60 favourite.
A rousing trackwork gallop at Te Rapa on Tuesday has convinced Hamilton trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson that their stable star Sharp ‘N’ Smart is at the top of his game leading into his first Group One assignment of the season.
