A barnstorming finish has delivered Te Akau Racing with a stunning late Christmas present as underrated galloper What You Wish For came from last on the home bend to take out the Harcourts Taupo Cup (2000m) in front of a bumper holiday crowd.

There will be more than just the healthy $57,500 first placed cheque on the line for talented galloper Agera when he contests the Harcourts Taupo Cup (2000m) at Taupo on Sunday.

Chris Wood acknowledges his emerging three-year-old That’s Gold will have a fight on his hands in the Gr. 2 Jimmy Schick Shaw’s Auckland Guineas (1400m), but he’s still taking a positive approach to the Boxing Day challenge.

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson now have their sights set on the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1400m) at Ellerslie on Karaka Millions night with To Bravery Born following his eye-catching first-up win at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Promising filly Places To Be’s first two cracks at black-type didn’t go to plan, but trainer Kelly Van Dyk is hoping to get her preparation back on track in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Wexford Stables partners Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have plenty to look forward to this weekend with a mix of proven and fresh talent engaged on the Waikato Cup programme at Te Rapa.

Dual Group One winner Orchestral has been retired.

Expat jockey Rory Hutchings has adopted his proven “have saddle, will travel” approach to another summer stint in New Zealand.

Dealt With stamped himself as one of the most exciting three-year-old prospects last season, earning himself a slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), but he was withdrawn at the 11th hour through injury.

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray took out the 2023 edition of the A$304,000 Jericho Cup (4600m) at Warrnambool with Nassak Diamond, and on Sunday they will be seeking to usurp their former stable runner in the marathon feature with Tempest Moon.

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are excited about the future with regally-bred colt King’s English after he broke through for his maiden win in impressive fashion at Te Aroha on Wednesday.

Proven stars from Wexford Stables were out in force at Tuesday’s Taupo trials as they limbered up for important assignments on the horizon.

A huge crowd flocked to Waipukurau on Sunday as the Central Hawke’s Bay course hosted its first race meeting in six years, and Tauranga visitor Enright emphatically broke a drought of his own in the DMAK Electrical Waipukurau Cup (2100m).