Changes to feature races announced
The New Zealand Pattern Committee (NZPC) has completed its annual review of black-type racing in New Zealand, with several changes made to the schedule of feature races for 2023-24.
Lupo Solitario extends unbeaten record at Tauranga
Promising three-year-old Lupo Solitario followed up his stylish victory at Te Rapa last month with an even more impressive display to beat his age-group rivals over 1300m at Tauranga and remain unbeaten in two starts to date.
Idyllic too fast at Awapuni
Progressive mare Idyllic made good use of her blistering barrier manners and high cruising speed as she led her rivals a merry dance at Awapuni on Saturday.
Guineas options for Wolfy
Wolfy continued his progression in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon when he accounted for a competitive line-up of three-year-olds over 1420m at Flemington.
Ruakaka raiders run rampant at Tauranga
The Northlanders came to town at Tauranga on Saturday and played a starring role, headed by a quinella for Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs in the $50,000 Mills Reef Wines Open (2100m).
Belardo Boy back to winning form at Awapuni
Deteriorating track conditions at Awapuni that saw a Soft5 surface turned to a Heavy10 due to persistent rain throughout the day, played right into the hands of local runner Belardo Boy who revelled in the conditions when taking out the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m).
Sargent unleashes likely Oaks type
Sydney trainer John Sargent is renowned as a master trainer of staying types, and the Kiwi expat unveiled a live VRC Oaks chance when Harlow Mist scored a strong victory in the Kennedy Oaks Preview (1800m) at Flemington on Sunday.
Shock ‘Em Ova powers home at Caulfield
The lightly raced Shock ‘Em Ova lifted his promising career up a notch with an impressive win from well off the pace in Saturday’s Punters.com.au Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.
Militarize scores stunning Golden Rose win
New Zealand-bred star Militarize came from nowhere to snatch an extraordinary last-gasp triumph in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Kia Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.
Marquess dominates at Rosehill
Godolphin’s New Zealand-bred up-and-comer Marquess made a bold statement at Rosehill on Saturday with a commanding victory in the A$160,000 Irresistible Pools & Spas Handicap (1900m).
Classic ambitions for staying filly Basilinna
Three-year-old filly Basilinna has stamped herself as a stayer of the future following a strong maiden victory over 1600m at Cranbourne on Thursday.
Cannon Hill fires at Matamata
Cambridge trainer Tony Pike enjoyed a raceday double with two promising types at Matamata on Wednesday, highlighted by tough three-year-old Cannon Hill scoring in a competitive age-group race.