Leading Sydney hoop James McDonald has been ticking up the air miles of late and will add some more to his tally when he heads home to New Zealand this weekend to ride at the TAB Karaka Millions race meeting at Ellerslie.
Topweight Capo Dell Impero made light work of his 60kg impost when he gave his rivals weight and a beating in the feature race at Wingatui, the WAE Waikouaiti Cup (2200m).
Continuing his spending spree at Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis dug deep into his pockets on the third day of the sale to secure a filly close to his heart.
Zabmanzor made a bold statement in his last journey down to the Central Districts, and Roger James is hoping for a repeat performance when the colt contests Saturday’s Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m).
Russian Fable was set to head to the spelling paddock following her last start fifth placing at Greymouth, but trainer Nayton Mitchell was pleased he made the decision to have one final roll of the dice with his mare.
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott will on Saturday bid to complete a premier sprinting double with Dragon Leap expected to be ideally suited at Trentham in his quest for top-flight honours in the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m).
Stakes performer Imwonderfultonight will head to Trentham with fresh legs on Saturday to tackle elite-level company for the first time in the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m).
Town Cryer may be the form horse in Saturday’s Gr.3 Dixon & Dunlop Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham, but the mare’s stablemate Sindicato may pose as her biggest challenge.
In-form short course performer Mercurial has been given the green light for another crack at a major prize on Saturday.
Matamata trainer Wayne Hillis is looking forward to heading to his home track on Wednesday where he will be represented by a pair of runners in the Waikato Stud 1200.
Follow Your Dreams has been absent from the winner’s circle for the last 12 months, but he broke that drought, almost to the day, when victorious in the Ken Gray Memorial Reefton Cup (1400m) on Tuesday.
The ever-consistent Celtic Echo will attempt to gain a spot in the coveted $350,000 Remutaka Classic (1600m) at Trentham later this month when she heads to Wanganui on Thursday.
