This time last year Conor O’Ceirin was getting ready to tackle the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) on his home track of New Plymouth, but 12 months on trainer Robbie Patterson has elected to bypass the local feature in favour of chasing a lucrative southern bonus.
Pam Gerard has made the most of opportunities in the South Island this year and will be well-represented on Sunday with Cork contesting the Crombie & Price Ltd Oamaru Cup (1600m).
A special standalone sale on Gavelhouse Plus will give breeders a rare opportunity to secure a trans-Tasman Group One winner.
Emerging Waverley trainer Erin Hocquard will have her first taste of black-type racing when her stable star Spencer lines up as favourite in Saturday’s Listed Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth.
Having already equalled his highest number of wins in a season, Cambridge trainer Clint Isdale is hoping to break new ground with one of his runners at Rotorua or New Plymouth on Saturday.
Local marvel Justaskme will attempt to become the first three-time winner of the Listed Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration Opunake Cup (1400m) when he contests the $100,000 feature for the fourth time at New Plymouth on Saturday.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Entain have today announced the qualifying races in the two Bonus Series that will culminate on the new Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday 8 March.
It is only fitting that Nikki White has secured a place in next month’s Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations 127th Winter Cup (1600m) with her gelding Balzano, with few trainers experiencing wintery conditions like the Omakau trainer.
Aylesbury trainer Richard Didham has is eyes on a Group One prize with his promising filly Diablo Blanco this spring.
Savile Row was a special horse in Pam Gerard’s training career and she is looking forward to debuting one of the young sire’s progeny in Suit Yourself at Arawa Park on Saturday.
Star performer Orchestral won’t be over-taxed during her spring preparation, with trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood more focussed on longer-term targets with their stable star.
Liquid Les has become more like a family member than a racehorse for Craig Williamson, and the capable gelding will aim to collect a hometown success at New Plymouth in the Revital Fertilisers Open (1800m).
