News

Ken Kelso is hoping lightning might strike twice when Legarto makes her second start at Flemington in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m).

Australian Group Two winner and multiple Group One performer Hilal will commence stud duties at Mark and Jane Corcoran’s Grangewilliam Stud at Waitotora this spring.

Awapuni raider Belclare will attempt a rare feat when she heads to Ellerslie to defend her title in Saturday’s Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

Quality performer Fashion Shoot has yet to win beyond 1400m, but the in-form mare’s camp is confident she can go the distance at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray have always had plenty of time for Pearl Of Alsace and they are hoping she can fulfil her Group One potential at Ellerslie this weekend.

Cambridge’s Kingsclere Stables is in for a busy trans-Tasman weekend, headlined by their glamour filly Orchestral tackling the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Mustang Valley will be out to prove her class when attempting a first Group One title on Good track conditions on Saturday at Ellerslie.

It will be a case of youth versus experience at Ellerslie this Saturday when Wexford Stables lines-up their two representatives in the Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

Sea Shepherd was in unchartered waters at the start of the season, having a spate of subpar unplaced runs, and trainer Sabin Kirkland is hoping to get his gelding back on course this weekend.

Ascot Park trainer Lisa Vaughan will head to Riverton on Saturday where she hopes to make it back-to-back wins in the Kennedy Building Riverton Cup (2147m).

There has been a slight change in plans for Group One-winning filly Molly Bloom.

Gavin Sharrock is confident his young protégé Sergeant Major can sign off his New Zealand career in perfect style.