Riviera Rock has been runner-up in the last two editions of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) and trainer Graham Eade would like to breakthrough for that elusive victory at Wingatui in February.
Patience paid big dividends for Robyn and Russell Rogers at Te Rapa on Saturday when their mare Zecora broke through for her maiden stakes victory in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m).
In-form Christchurch mare Live Drama will head across the Cook Strait this week to try and snare some northern spoils.
Regally-bred mare Manifique will get her chance to continue her family’s stakes legacy when she heads to Trentham on Saturday to tackle the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m).
Betty Spaghetti’s impressive run of form during her spring preparation has connections focussing on northern targets for the four-year-old.
Promising mare Zecora made a welcome return to the winners’ enclosure at Te Rapa when she stormed home out wide to secure a thrilling victory in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m).
Underrated three-year-old Pendragon upset the Te Akau Racing party when he downed favourites Tokyo Tycoon and the previously unbeaten Quintessa over 1200m at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Smart four-year-old gelding Grebeni recorded his sixth career victory when running out a strong winner of the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Under-rated filly Still Bangon stepped up to stakes class and prevailed in a nail-biting finish to the Gr.3 LawnMaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.
Consistent stayer Dionysus provided Roger James and Robert Wellwood with a positive end to a tough week when scoring a fighting victory in the Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) on Saturday at Te Rapa.
