A trans-Tasman ownership double prompted long and enthusiastic celebrations for Ashburton’s Barneswood Farm.

Former Kiwi galloper Desert Lightning landed a deserved victory in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at The Valley on Saturday for trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, digging deep to stave off the challenge of high-class Canadian mare Moira.

Promising gelding Have A Crack retained his unbeaten New Zealand record with a gritty performance to take out the Rich Hill Stud (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Products of Isstoora to chase Valley features 40 minutes apart this weekend.

Reigning premiership winners Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will watch Ruakaka closely on Saturday despite sending only one runner to the Northland course.

Donna Logan will be back in the black-type frame with her young stable at Ruakaka on Saturday, presenting the promising Yokozuna in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).

Graeme and Debbie Rogerson are dreaming of the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) once more with their multiple Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart following his pleasing trial outing at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Lance Noble has his eye on a major early season prize with one of the few older members of his stable.

Champion jockey Craig Grylls takes an uncomplicated approach to his riding and that will again carry over to the new season.