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Waikato hoop Vinnie Colgan will trek down to Otaki on Saturday to partner exciting four-year-old Desert Lightning in the Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m), and he is hoping his charge can live up to his favourite’s tag.

Robbie Patterson is enjoying another stellar season and is firmly on target to eclipse the heroics of his stable in the 2022/23 term.

Extra distance and a switch to weight-for-age for Saturday’s Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) are steps in the right direction for Ladies Man, but his trainer Allan Sharrock is looking a few weeks further down the road.

This Saturday’s juvenile features at Matamata are set to paint a clearer picture for upcoming Group One targets, and Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson is hoping for good showings from his high-class trio.

The tangerine and blue silks of Te Akau Racing command respect at each Riccarton Park meeting, and the stable will present another strong team of runners across the 10-race card on Friday.

Roger James and Robert Wellwood already have the $1.40 favourite for the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), and a trip to Otaki this weekend could earn them an even greater share of the spotlight during the upcoming Ellerslie carnival.

Miss Layla is already a black-type winner on her home track and the talented mare will be given the opportunity to double her tally next month.

Regally-bred mare Manifique is already assured of a broodmare career, however, trainer Peter Didham is keen to gain some black-type with her before she heads to the breeding barn.

Waikato Stud’s Super Seth has struck a significant offshore blow with the Group One-winning son of Dundeel siring his first

Two younger members of Tony Pike’s team will spearhead the stable’s representation at Matamata with higher honours beckoning the duo if they race up to expectations.