Robbie Patterson was given a boost of confidence around the future of staying mare Freebelle when she came out on top in the Murdoch Contracting 1400 at Waverley on Sunday.

Ashley Meadows’ patient handling of The Scunner is bringing its rewards on the racetrack, with the exciting talent kicking off his six-year-old season with a runaway victory in the Cavallo Farms & Chris Rutten Bloodstock Handicap (1400m) at Otaki on Friday.

The father-son training partnership of Peter and Trent Didham recorded their first win when Danjuro scored a tough victory in Friday’s The Tele Otaki Handicap (2100m).

The prospect of a heavy surface for Saturday’s Te Rapa meeting could play into the hands of Central Districts visitor Whangaehu.

Former northerner Martell and heavy-track specialist Vamos spearheaded a dominant Sunday afternoon at Gore for trainer Kelvin Tyler.

North Island raids have delivered rich rewards this year for Canterbury mare Ears Back, who collected her second black-type prize in the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Quality winter sprinter Spencer showed he is just as adept on a better surface as he is on the deep winter footing when he bounced back to winning form with a comprehensive performance to take out the CR Grace Ltd & Waterforce Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.

Slipper Island put together a picket fence form line down the Trentham chute last season and he’ll be aiming to pick up where he left off at the Upper Hutt venue on Saturday.

Martell made an instant impact in his first appearance from his new quarters and more of the same is forecast at Gore.

Trent Didham has become the fourth generation in his family to become a trainer after joining his father, Peter, in partnership earlier this month.

Faraglioni’s retirement has left a big hole in Josh Shaw’s stable this season, but the Group One performer’s half-sister Chart The Stars has started to do her bit to continue the family legacy.

The A$300,000 Jericho Cup (4600m) could be on the radar for Yolo, who continued her return to form with a four-length runaway in Saturday’s NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth.

Intention’s future program will be determined by her performance in Saturday’s Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m).

Timaru trainer Stephanie Faulkner admitted to doubting Richard Stomper’s prospects before and during the LOVERACING.NZ Remembering Grey Way (1600m) on Sunday, but the talented six-year-old kicked off his new campaign with a tenacious front-running victory on his home track.