Fresh from an incredible interstate double in Australia last weekend with Orchestral and Mark Twain, the Roger James and Robert Wellwood stable picked up another black-type feature in New Zealand this time when race favourite Apostrophe ($3.50) claimed victory in the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) at Trentham.

Hi Yo Sass Bomb has become a horse of a lifetime for New Plymouth trainer Kim Reid, and she is hoping to further her dream ride with her pride and joy at Ellerslie on Saturday.

With a thrilling victory in Saturday’s BOP Equine Vets Open Handicap (1400m), classy mare Fashion Shoot headlined a big day at Tauranga for Te Akau Racing and set herself up for a Group One assignment at the end of this month.

Saturday’s Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham delivered multiple milestones for the connections of Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb.

The Group 1 New Zealand Oaks headlines another quality raceday at Trentham this Saturday, Match 16th. Won in 2023 by Pennyweka, who subsequently travelled across the ditch to win the ATC Oaks as well, the NZ Derby almost always shapes as a key form race for staying contests here in Australia.

The well-related Naxos may lack size but possesses a determined nature that was emphasised when successful at the first time of asking last month at Tauranga.

Robbie Patterson will be soaking up the atmosphere at Caulfield on Saturday but acknowledges his stable’s best chances of success this weekend lies on the home front.

Faraglioni should be enjoying a well-deserved spell at the moment, but trainer Josh Shaw said his Group One performer had other ideas.

Faraglioni should be enjoying a well-deserved spell at the moment, but trainer Josh Shaw said his Group One performer had other ideas.