Kheir looking to increase investment in NZ
Well-known Australian owner Ozzie Kheir has had plenty of success buying thoroughbreds out of New Zealand, and now he is looking to boost his investment across the Tasman.
New arrival adds wealth of international experience
Champion jockey Per-Anders Graberg is hoping to make an impression in New Zealand to add to the list of countries he has successfully ridden in.
Old takes two shots at inaugural Karapiro Classic
The brand-new $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) has received an enthusiastic endorsement from Matamata trainer Glenn Old, who will saddle a pair of promising four-year-olds in the inaugural running of the race at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Skyman looking for first NZ win
European import Skyman will be aiming to record his first New Zealand win when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m).
Te Akau launches another Legends Day charge
Te Akau Racing has landed at least one of Legends Day’s major prizes in each of the last five editions of the showpiece Te Rapa meeting, and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have assembled another formidable contingent for Saturday’s 2024 version.
Weatherley runners continue to keep best of company
Darryn and Briar Weatherley have been well-represented in stakes events this season and that trend will continue at Te Rapa on Saturday with a trio of feature race contenders.
Eptimum returns from long lay-off
Nine-race winner Eptimum will make his first start in close to a year when he lines up in Saturday’s $50,000 C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup (1100m) at Riccarton.
A bold statement made by The Underbelly
Progressive stayer The Underbelly commenced what could be a highly successful weekend for Robbie Patterson and underrated sire The Bold One.
Bold Soul lands Tasmanian Derby
Trainer Patrick Payne has claimed his third successive Listed Graham Family Funerals Tasmanian Derby (2200m) when Bold Soul dug deep to prevail from fellow Kiwi bred Gold Wolf.
Waitak hunting Group One sprint double
After being nothing short of spectacular in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, emerging sprinter Waitak will hunt a Group One double in Saturday’s BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.
Group winner deserves another chance at Te Rapa
Habana turned in an uncharacteristically below-par effort at his most recent outing and Lance Noble is understandably prepared to give the five-year-old the benefit of the doubt and move on.
Fillies’ Classic step-up awaiting Sudbina
Kingsclere Stables couldn’t have won last year’s Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) more convincingly with Prowess, and have a chance to go back-to-back on Saturday with Sudbina.