A checkered past is proving to be a blessing in disguise for in-form mare Quick Fire, who is presented with an opportunity to rise to another level at Te Rapa.

Capable race mare Sea Eagle left the best until last during her brief breeding career.

Joe Waldron will be a welcome addition to the southern training ranks at the start of the new season.

Joshua Brown likes to get his own way and tyro trainer Lance Gussey is happy to go with the flow with his black-type contender.

Underrated galloper Vittorio Veneto delivered the perfect gift for connections on Cambridge’s synthetic track on Thursday, powering to victory in the Cambridge Real Estate 1300.

The New Zealand racing industry is in mourning following the passing of apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey.

Apprentice jockey Triston Moodley is on the mend in Hamilton Hospital following an incident at the Waipa trials on Tuesday.

Well-travelled gelding Family Folks launched a powerful finish from near the back of the field to collect his first New Zealand victory in the Mark Sanders Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Versatile performer Pacifico has hit a rich vein of form and another top showing on Saturday will earn him a crack at a richer winter prize.

Well-performed sprinter Mercurial has progressed well since his resuming effort and with the addition of headgear at Te Rapa, he’s expected to be more of a force to be reckoned with.