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Stephen Autridge has triumphed in many of New Zealand’s most iconic races, and the Matamata horseman would rate a victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m) among the headliners.

Terri Rae hopes to continue a flow of winning performances by her consistent team of gallopers at Ashburton on Thursday.

Imwonderfultonight has been a standout performer for Cambridge trainer Sam Mynott this season and she is hoping her mare can be rewarded for her consistency with victory in Saturday’s Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.

Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb scored black-type last start when runner-up in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) on her home track and trainer Kim Reid is hoping she can go one better in the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.

The inaugural NZTR innovation races have been a massive hit this season and there is still one to come, with southern trainers getting their chance at racing for $350,000 in the Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) at Riccarton next month.

A Group One challenge awaits Red Sea next month following the youngster’s runaway success in the AKW Farrier Two-Year-Old (1200m) at Matamata on Wednesday.

Clinton Isdale will beat a familiar and successful path to Wellington this week with his under-rated sprinter Is That So.

Robbie Patterson will be soaking up the atmosphere at Caulfield on Saturday but acknowledges his stable’s best chances of success this weekend lies on the home front.

Faraglioni should be enjoying a well-deserved spell at the moment, but trainer Josh Shaw said his Group One performer had other ideas.

Growing up on The Oaks Stud in Cambridge paved a way for a successful career in the thoroughbred breeding industry for Dean Williams, however, he got the racing bug young and is about to take an important step in fulfilling his dream of becoming a trainer.

Classy mare Pearl Of Alsace returned to summer racing with a vengeance when claiming a narrow victory in the opening event at Ellerslie, the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m).