New Zealand
Hopes of successfully executing a long-term southern plan with talented mare Sanibel (NZ) (Shamexpress) received a timely boost in her final lead-up appearance. Saturday week’s Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton was identified as a major goal some months ago by trainer Shane
Breeding
Allan Sharrock continues to thank his lucky stars that he didn’t altogether banish racetrack failure Often (NZ) (O'Reilly) from his successful New Plymouth operation. The multiple Group One-winning trainer quickly realised she had no future as a racing proposition, but had the foresight to retain the
New Zealand
Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray had themselves a royal day out at the last meeting on the all-weather track at Cambridge and will be hoping for more of the same on Wednesday. The local training duo celebrated success on their home course earlier this month with Brave Spirit, Hammer
New Zealand
John Wheeler has good reasons to be looking forward to his home meeting on Saturday with the Taranaki trainer to be represented by an in-form quartet of runners. Tsunami, Zeefa Zed and Zivjeli are last-start winners while lightly tried filly Tiger Lily has made an encouraging start to
New Zealand
With a stakes success already ticked off by Flower Of Wanaka (NZ) (Burgundy), trainer Chrissy Bambry is happy to bide her time before setting the mare another black-type target. The daughter of Burgundy opened her current campaign with an upset victory in the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) and will
Breeding
Highview Stud newcomers Divine Prophet and Santos are receiving warm welcomes from the New Zealand breeding community. The proven pair have relocated from Australia to join Wrote at the Waikato farm, with Divine Prophet’s profile further boosted this season by the deeds of his Group One-producing brother Proisir.
International
A stellar campaign in Hong Kong for Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) has increased the focus on his New Zealand-based sire. The Manfred Man-trained son of Novara Park’s Sweynesse was named this season’s Champion Sprinter and Champion Four-Year-Old in the Asian racing jurisdiction. He advanced
New Zealand
JJ Rayner will head to Trentham with two strong chances and events on Saturday will determine whether she ventures further afield with the pair next month. The Wanganui trainer will be represented by pre-post favourite Hacksaw Ridge (NZ) (Power) in the Novara Park Whyte Handicap (1600m) and Lord Spencer
New Zealand
Shaun Phelan is hoping an extended stay at Ruakaka will be further rewarded at Saturday’s Whangarei meeting where he has a number of strong contenders. In particular, the Cambridge trainer will mount a three-strong attack on the ITM/GIB Winter Championship Final (2100m) with Hit The Road Jack
New Zealand
Lessons learned from La Crique’s (NZ) (Vadamos) last spring campaign will be strictly adhered to this time around with the Group One-winning mare. Trainers Katrina and Simon Alexander have already ruled out starting the daughter of Vadamos on unsuitable ground in any lead-up outings ahead of a
New Zealand
Windsor Park Stud has continued an enviable trend with its most recent stallion acquisition. The Cambridge nursery received an outstanding response from breeders after securing Profondo, with the no vacancy sign quickly put up after announcing the Group One-winning son of Deep Impact. He will serve a full book
New Zealand
Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have big plans for their exciting Kiwi-bred Golden Path this spring. The rising four-year-old has won two and place in one of his three starts to date for the Cranbourne pair, including victory in the Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m)