Belle’s Echo made a booming return in her six-year-old season at Trentham on Sunday, putting away a tidy field of sprinters in the Blue Star Christmas Cup (1200m).

Former Manawatu mare Kelly Coe continued a golden run for her connections with a $28 upset victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

Mike Breslin will enjoy a delayed celebration of his milestone victory at Tauherenikau during the week.

Visiting Australian jockey Luke Currie made his New Zealand debut a winning one with a last-to-first performance on Wingman in Saturday’s Aztech Engineering 3YO (1400m) at Trentham.

Leading Australian jockey Luke Currie will make his first appearance in New Zealand with seven rides on Saturday’s Group One card at Trentham.

Trentham has been a happy hunting ground for Town Cryer with the exception of last year’s Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m), and 12 months later, the mare is back for redemption.

Last start Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) winner Town Cryer has another Trentham feature in her sights, taking the next step towards the Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at the Foxton trials on Tuesday.

What better way to send off Cup Week than a massive 11-race card at Riccarton Park this Saturday highlighted by the 161st edition of the G3 New Zealand Cup. Last year’s runner-up Nest Egg is looking to go one better in 2024 while 2022 winner Aljay returns and is sure to have his share of supporters.

With all the great opportunities on the Betfair Exchange comes incredible data.

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray had hoped to be chasing the Flemington riches on Tuesday, but after the Melbourne Cup dream was dashed, their promising filly Costae provided a nice consolation with an impressive victory in the TAB 1400 at Ellerslie.