Group Three performer Canheroc has just one Cup to his name, but trainer Chris Wood is keen to double that haul when they head to Te Rapa on Saturday to tackle the Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m).

Bold front-runner Witz End is likely to be seen in a different role in Saturday’s Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

Pearl Of Alsace is in foal and entering the final few weeks of her racing career, but trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray hope a return to her favourite track might allow her to cap her CV with a Group One breakthrough.

Lisa Allpress couldn’t have wished for a better return to the saddle at New Plymouth on Thursday, guiding home two winners from as many rides.

Improved track conditions will present Almakeitgood with a gilt-edged opportunity to open her winning account at New Plymouth on Thursday.

Well-performed speed merchant Babylon Berlin will strip a fitter mare for Saturday’s assignment at Ellerslie.

A chance purchase at Karaka has proved to be an outstanding piece of business for Waikato breeders and owners Ross and Corrine Kearney.

La Crique sprouted wings in the Pukekohe straight on Saturday to come from a near-hopeless position and win the Gr.2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in a photo finish.

Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Following the retirement of his stakes-winning mare Casino Princess, Cliff Goss turned to New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale in search of another filly, which he found early on day one in the form of Lot 25.

Matamata trainer Pam Gerard will head to Pukekohe on Saturday to tackle a couple of feature targets with her emerging mares Shoes and Reputation, and she is under no illusion about the size of the task ahead of them.

Now with an Australian base at Cranbourne, New Zealand trainer Mark Walker is chasing a ‘hometown’ Cup victory.

Last week will live long in the memory of northern race caller George Simon.

Wentwood Grange savoured a trans-Tasman double at the weekend and the Hawkins family will be looking for further reasons to celebrate at this week’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.