Trainers Sophie Hargreaves and Naomi Murfitt will be on a fact-finding mission when they head to Phar Lap Raceway with Brancaster Bomber on Wednesday.

An autumn trip to Canterbury has turned out to be career-defining for Matamata mare Sassy Merlot, who added a valuable black-type win to her record in Saturday’s Listed Daphne Bannan Memorial Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.

Having already secured a special place in South Island racing history through a career spanning more than four decades, it would be fitting for Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman to take a share of the spotlight during an exciting raceday on his home track on Saturday.

Sea Shepherd was in unchartered waters at the start of the season, having a spate of subpar unplaced runs, and trainer Sabin Kirkland is hoping to get his gelding back on course this weekend.

Kenny Moore resisted the urge to chase the $650,000 Summer Series Bonus with his Group One performer Lady Telena in favour of targeting southern riches, and his decision is looking to have paid off.

Progressive galloper Matscot delivered on punter’s expectations when the race favourite ($2.40) took out the Seaton Family Memorial Hororata Gold Cup (1800m) at Riccarton in a driving finish.