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

Ultra-consistent mare La Crique earned a unique place in New Zealand racing history at Ellerslie on Saturday with her seventh runner-up finish in a Group One race.

Platinum Diamond will put her undefeated Heavy track record on the line when she heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m).

New Zealand’s top-rated performer El Vencedor will contest all three legs of the spring Triple Crown series.

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

Otaki trainer Andrew Campbell saw potential in Cocobill as a yearling, and two and a half years later the ex-Victorian galloper will make his Kiwi debut for his stable at Woodville on Sunday.

Luminance has proven herself up to black-type level on a heavy surface and trainer Kurtis Pertab is looking to put that ability to the test on a better track when she contests Saturday’s Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka.

Tavis Court looks to have found his niche in small fields, and trainer Anna Clement has found him another intimate contest on Saturday.

A decision to bypass the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago paid dividends for the connections of Pride Of Aspen on Sunday, as the mare went three in a row in the Free Court (2100m) at Hawera.

Doctor Askar has had a near perfect record this year and he will be seeking to continue his golden run this spring, with several Group Ones in the crosshairs.

A quartet of well-performed fillies from Stephen Marsh’s stable took their first steps toward upcoming age group features when they stepped out at the Taupo trials on Monday.

Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander are contemplating options on both sides of the Tasman with their multiple Group One winner La Crique following her pleasing trial at Taupo on Monday.