High-class jockey Jonathan Riddell is keen to get a proper raceday ride aboard speedy five-year-old mare Babylon Berlin.
Hong Kong’s strong presence continued to be felt on the second day of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run sale on Thursday.
Local trainer Lance Robinson went to Riccarton on Monday confident of his chances in the KN Cooltainer Premier (1400m) and his optimism was rewarded with a three-quarter of a length victory by Avaquinella in the opening race of the New Zealand Cup Day card.
Quality mare Letzbeglam will bid to add New Zealand black type to her record on Saturday at Pukekohe where she opens a campaign that may see her mix it at Group One level.
The Growler will be out to continue his strong southern form when he heads to Ascot Park on Wednesday.
Champion jockey Zac Purton surged to 40 wins for the season as Tavistock gelding Beluga reached the high point of his career with Class 1 Panasonic Cup Handicap (1400m) victory at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Three-year-old filly Family Ties capitalised on a patient ride by champion apprentice Joe Kamaruddin to win the Transport/Hatuma Lime 3YO Maiden (1300m) on Sunday at Hastings.
With his second Ready to Run Sale draft about to go through the Karaka sale ring, Matamata horseman Kurtis Pertab could hardly have hoped for a better start to one of his most important weeks of the year.
Kevin Myers’ stable successfully defended its crown in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) with rising staying star Aljay prevailing in a driving finish at Riccarton dominated by Central Districts raiders.
There was drama aplenty around Legarto’s triumph in Monday’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on Monday – all of it before the field jumped.
