Group One performer Faraglioni recorded one of her biggest moments on the track when runner-up in last year’s Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), but she won’t feature in the renamed Proisir Plate at Ellerslie next month.

Trainer Ken Kelso was wearing a wide smile as he left Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday afternoon after witnessing his two stable stars provide him with suitable evidence they are both on target to kick off their Spring campaigns in fine fashion.

It has been a while between drinks for Mathew Gillies on Grand National Day, but the talented hoop has plenty of firepower heading into this year’s time-honoured Riccarton meeting.

There is a tough sense of déjà vu for Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal in Christchurch this week, with Dictation being ruled out of Saturday’s Hospitality NZ Canterbury 135th Grand National Hurdles (4200m) through injury.

Tough stayer Wolfgang showed enough during a brief Melbourne campaign last spring to warrant a return visit.

Corrina McDougal had to wait on a protest before earning her first training success, but on Sunday at Woodville, her 100th was never in doubt.

An exciting match-up between champion jumper West Coast and rising star Jesko is imminent, but the former’s trainer Mark Oulaghan is sticking with the old firm for the time being, with Shaun Fannin in the saddle in Sunday’s Glenanthony Simmentals Stud Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) at Woodville.