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Local trainer Lisa Latta was a dominant force at Awapuni’s Synthetic meeting on Friday, winning four races, including the Carters Ashurst-Pohangina Cup (2140m) with Sir Mikki.

Solidify has been finding his feet over middle-distances this autumn and winter, and another bold performance in Saturday’s John Young Family (2200m) at Te Rapa could be a stepping stone towards a Group One target in the spring.

Whether recalling the deeds of past champions or pondering which horse might be the next, there’s no getting away from the allure of the Melbourne Cup.

A rustic exterior hid a good heart and a level of horsemanship that made Neville Atkins both an achiever and a character of New Zealand training ranks in the final three decades of the 20th Century.

Shaun Phelan is set to be represented by leading contenders at both New Zealand race meetings on Saturday, despite the likely scratching of his six-race winner Enchanted Elle.

Winter warhorse Justaskme is already a two-time winner of the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m), and New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock is using Saturday’s Valley D’Vine Restaurant Handicap (1400m) at Hastings as a springboard into another shot at the local feature on July 20.

A spur of the moment decision to run Balzano at Ashburton has paid dividends for Nikki White after the underrated galloper powered to victory in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (1400m) on Thursday. 

In a quiet racing period for Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman, he has the advantage of two quality gallopers contesting the open-class races through the winter in Turn The Ace and Wessex.  

Tony Pike is hoping his three-year-old Eliud can finish a successful preparation on a high note on Saturday when he contests the Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) at Flemington.

The Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) will again be the target for last season’s runner-up Tahuroa Height.

Apprentice jockey Sima Mxothwa will join the growing list of expat South Africans riding in New Zealand when he makes his race day debut at Te Rapa on Saturday.

It was a memorable day at Ashburton on Thursday for Jess Land, with the Rangiora horsewoman recording her first training win courtesy of Captain Oumuamua in the Green Fencing (1600m).