A hard-fought victory by Raziah in Saturday’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton Park provided trainer Tony Pike and jockey Matt Cartwright with a second feature three-year-old success within the space of a week.

Bellatrix Star was among the leading two-year-old fillies in New Zealand last season, and she showed in Saturday’s A$175,000 Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) at Flemington that she has the class to compete on Melbourne’s spring carnival stage.

Next month’s Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) is looming large on the horizon for Unusual Legacy, who enhanced his growing reputation with an outstanding last-to-first performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 Chandon Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill.

Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock’s upcoming top-flight prospects can take turns for the better across two venues this weekend.

Kelvin Tyler has plenty of travel ahead of him in the coming weeks and he was pleased to pick up a success closer to home at Wingatui on Sunday with Albatross.

Capable flat galloper Billy Boy made the perfect start to his jumping career at Woodville on Sunday, putting on a polished display to claim the Pat & The Late John Shannon (3000m).

Rugged galloper Master Marko was toughness personified at Riccarton on Saturday when he produced a front-running victory in the main race on the day, the TAB Open Mile (1600m).

Winter warhorse Verry Flash recorded the 14th win of his career in Saturday’s Wanganui Insurance Brokers (2060m), and in the process he provided an unforgettable moment for his 22-year-old jockey Amber Riddell.

Under-rated Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb took her career to all-new heights last season, and a smart fresh-up performance in Saturday’s Balance Accountants Open (1200m) at Wanganui hinted at more to come in 2024-25.

Progressive sprinter Spencer gets a chance to redeem himself at Wanganui on Saturday and add to his burgeoning record.

Group One winner Pennyweka took trainer Jim Wallace and her army of owners on the ride of a lifetime when taking out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double last year, and just 18 months on the Opaki horseman thinks he might have another filly just as capable.

Promising gelding Martell will face his sternest test to date when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to tackle the Balance Accountants Open 1200.

Robbie Patterson is confident Read About It possesses all the attributes to make his mark at the highest level later this season.

Roger James gave his seal of approval to glamour mare Orchestral following her hit-out at Taupo on Wednesday.