John Bell’s run of success with the family of star mare Fleur de Lune continued at Te Aroha on Sunday, with close relation Zenith delivering on debut.

Canheroc has come close to taking out a couple of New Zealand’s feature staying races, and they will once again be on his radar this coming season.

A checkered past is proving to be a blessing in disguise for in-form mare Quick Fire, who is presented with an opportunity to rise to another level at Te Rapa.

Unbeaten hurdler Billy Boy will make his debut over the bigger fences at Te Aroha on Sunday, with a view on returning to the track for a lucrative feature early in the new season.

Saturday’s Novara Park (1400m) at Rotorua will be the first raceday appearance in six months for talented mare Fabulous Gal.

Underrated galloper Vittorio Veneto delivered the perfect gift for connections on Cambridge’s synthetic track on Thursday, powering to victory in the Cambridge Real Estate 1300.

Empire State has grown in confidence throughout the season and he put that on display at Te Rapa on Saturday, breaking through for an impressive maiden success in the Irwin’s Truck and Bus Hurdle (2800m).

With multiple recent placings behind a rising star of New Zealand’s steeplechasing ranks, Al’s Red Zed takes strong form credentials into Saturday’s Waikato Hunt Cup (3900m) at Te Rapa.

Versatile performer Pacifico has hit a rich vein of form and another top showing on Saturday will earn him a crack at a richer winter prize.

Time has been called on the brief, but hugely successful racing career of last season’s champion juvenile Velocious.

Harvey Wilson always kept a close eye on Jerricoop at Waverley and his vision for the gelding has come to life this year as he prepares to step up in grade in Saturday’s OTL Group LTD Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa.

Comeback jumper Te Kahu will begin another campaign toward New Zealand’s premier steeplechases at Te Aroha on Sunday, stepping out on the flat alongside his stablemate, Captains Run.