Darryn and Briar Weatherley are under no illusions about the holiday task ahead of Bulgari but are confident the three-year-old is up to making a strong impression.

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are hoping a return to the right-handed way of going will help Qali Al Farrasha bounce back to winning form at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

Sunshine Coast trainer David Vandyke is noted for his patience and meticulous placement of horses so it comes as no surprise his talented galloper Noble Decree will make a low-key return at Ipswich on Wednesday.

Patience, a diminishing commodity in the modern environment, remains a key marker for Raumati couple Christopher and Susanna Grace, two of New Zealand racing’s longest serving and most successful participants.

Nikki Hurdle had the ride of her life with Group One performer Express Yourself, and just six months after her retirement, the Palmerston North horsewoman looks to have her hands on another exciting sprinter.

Summer has arrived, and Shelley Hale is hoping so too will Blue Sky At Night’s form, as she gets set to defend her crown in Saturday’s Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa.

Dual Group One winner Orchestral has been retired.

One punter breathed a little easier following the Manco Maiden 2YO (1150m) at Te Aroha on Sunday, with their $10,000 outlay paying off when Lara Antipova romped to victory.

Final Return has raced creditably in strong company at Ellerslie without major success and will be back there on New Year’s Day in a bid to break through.

New stakes winners for resident stallions Redwood and Tarzino were celebrated by Westbury Stud at the weekend.

A rails-hugging ride from Warren Kennedy has provided promising filly Pulsatilla with her first success at stakes level as she captured the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial 3YO (1500m) at Ellerslie.

Two-year-old Incandescent put himself in the frame for the rich TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in late January with a comprehensive victory in the opening event at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Independent Traffic Control (1100m).

Kingsclere Stables will have representation in all three three-year-old stakes races this weekend, and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are hopeful they can get their hands on some of the spoils.

Dealt With stamped himself as one of the most exciting three-year-old prospects last season, earning himself a slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), but he was withdrawn at the 11th hour through injury.