The Listed Riccarton Park Function Centre Welcome Stakes (1000m) has been moved to a new position on the South Island’s racing calendar, but its first autumn running at Riccarton on Saturday brought no change to Te Akau Racing’s dominance of the two-year-old feature.

With the curtain coming down on the racing career of Te Akau Racing’s 10-time Group One winner Imperatriz yesterday, they are now looking forward to unveiling their next future star, which could very well come at Riccarton on Saturday.

Orchestral will aim to follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s greatest fillies when she contests Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.

Talented filly No Rain Ever has yet to fully convince connections that she can be effective over more ground, and she will have the opportunity to bury any doubts on that score at Riccarton.

Robbie Patterson will chase further southern spoils at Riccarton Park on Saturday, with promising filly It’s Doris contesting the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m).

The Melbourne arm of Andrew Forsman’s operation has been boosted by the arrival of feature race contenders Positivity and Good Oil.

A trip to the Queensland winter carnival is in the mix for progressive mare Imwonderfultonight and she could firm up plans with another strong showing this weekend.

Dual Group One winner La Crique has certainly been a test of patience for trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander, with the couple faced with their sternest test with the mare in the last couple of weeks.

Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray continued an outstanding season with their stayers when up-and-coming star Nereus powered home to win the Gr.2 City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Jockey Wiremu Pinn put the icing on the cake of his most successful day in the saddle when he guided Bradman to an upset victory in the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Full Force fitted a formula that vendor Kilgravin Lodge has previously enjoyed racing success with and that process could take them to the highest level this weekend.

New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock will saddle three runners in his bid for back-to-back victories in the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

The visiting Cambridge stable of Ben and son Ryan Foote were to the fore in the opening events at Otaki on Monday where they took out the first two races on the programme.

Domain Ace may find himself back on a truck to the Central Districts chasing Group One glory this weekend, after an impressive debut win at Otaki.