Exuberance has given New Zealand trainer Mark Walker something to smile about after a Group 1 defeat in New Zealand.

Robbie Patterson had his sights set on the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) for One Bold Cat, but the gelding showed he can be just as impressive at a mile with a powerful victory in Wednesday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata.

Group One performer To Catch A Thief is a maiden no longer after taking out the Betta Inspect It Premier (1300m) at Matamata on Wednesday.

Cody Cole had hoped to have his talented filly Renovations running on her home track this week, but instead, she will continue her campaign towards some lofty targets at Tauranga on Saturday.

Jakama Krystal was back for redemption in the final jumping race of the season on Sunday and she earned just that, storming to victory in the Property Brokers Pahiatua/Woodville (4000m).

Warrnambool raider Rolls’ New Zealand campaign hasn’t got off to the best of starts, but trainer Maddie Raymond and jockey Harry Grace are hoping that changes at Matamata on Wednesday.

Robbie Patterson will have seen plenty of the central North Island by Wednesday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) meeting at Matamata, but a softer track poses a positive for his talented pairing of One Bold Cat and Puntura.

Bloodstock agents are circling exciting three-year-old Suit Yourself following his win in the SJC Foundation 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on Friday.

Spring racing in the South Island has been a happy hunting ground for Te Akau Racing throughout the last couple of decades, and that trend is set to continue with another strong team of seven runners at Riccarton Park on Saturday.

Several years have passed since Joanne Surgenor last competed in a Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, but the Ardmore Lodge trainer is heading back to Hastings on Saturday with a pair of well-credentialled runners.

Stephen Marsh believes the El Vencedor that is heading to Hastings for Saturday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) is barely recognisable as the same horse that has competed during the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival in previous seasons.

Skew Wiff’s quest to double her winning tally at the highest level hasn’t been helped at Hastings by an awkward gate.

Talented mare Casino Princess has been retired from racing.

Impending rain had Stephen Nickalls questioning whether to start Chase in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Wanganui, but the honest galloper looked more than comfortable in the conditions, just falling short to Jay Bee Gee in the feature.