Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.

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

Riccarton racegoers could be in for a treat on Saturday when they get to witness one of the burgeoning rivalries in New Zealand racing come to a head.

Wexford Stables have unveiled a number of promising three-year-olds over the past fortnight, and the latest to shed her maiden status was Smart Love, who won the Fresh Choice Leamington 3YO (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Tony Pike’s runners haven’t missed a beat in their bid to successfully execute a black-type double for the stable at Riccarton on Wednesday.

Orchestral had her name up in lights during the autumn in Sydney, and on Saturday she will step out on the big stage at Flemington as a key hope in the A$1 million Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).

Promising three-year-old Whiskey ‘N Roses will aim to finish a challenging campaign on a positive note when he contests Wednesday’s Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha.

Savaglee’s path to his spring grand final will take another detour this week with Pam Gerard admitting to severe frustration with the disrupted preparation.

The breakdown of James McDonald’s 100 Group 1 wins.