Riddell has key to Stratocaster

Stratocaster (Jonathan Riddell) again showing his liking for left-handed tracks when proving too good at Te Rapa today,

Jonathan Riddell knew what to expect when he climbed aboard Stratocaster at Te Rapa today and the six-year-old didn’t let him down.

“The first time I rode him he was desperately unlucky. It was his first . . . → Read More: Riddell has key to Stratocaster

Speechmaker the trackwork tip

Speechmaker (Alysha Collett) following up a debut fifth with a sound win at Te Rapa today with Diamondsandbubbles fighting on strongly on the inside to hold third.

Local apprentice Brendan Hutton gave a valuable insight into the prospects of Speechmaker at Te Rapa today and listeners should have had a healthy return.

Speechmaker is . . . → Read More: Speechmaker the trackwork tip

Popular welcome back win for Norvall

Rogan Norvall returning to scale on Memories Only at Te Rapa today after breaking through for his first win in his latest comeback.

Of the seven winners at Te Rapa today there was none more popular than the win recorded by Rogan Norvall on Memories Only.

It was Norvall’s first win on yet another . . . → Read More: Popular welcome back win for Norvall

Milestone for training duo

Joe Douglas leads Ming’s Emperor from the winner’s stall as Sally House and jockey Maija Vance look on proudly after the first success for the training partners at Te Rapa today.

Ming’s Emperor wasn’t popular with punters, but his upset maiden win at Te Rapa today will always be cherished by former Great Northern . . . → Read More: Milestone for training duo

Rondinella still on track for features

Rondinella pictured creating a big impression when cruising home second-up at Tauranga, sent a scare through her camp yesterday.

Smart Cambridge filly Rondinella is likely to continue on the path toward the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks at Trentham in March despite a major scare at the same track yesterday.

On the . . . → Read More: Rondinella still on track for features

Finally Group One dance for top mare

Stolen Dance (Sam Spratt) finally notching Group One success in today’s Harcourts Thorndon Mile.

Racing dreams for Stolen Dance were fulfilled at Trentham today when she earned Group One success in possibly her final appearance.

The Alamosa mare had been a multiple placegetter at the highest level before she overcame a testing run for . . . → Read More: Finally Group One dance for top mare

Magical result for smart Cambridge stayer

Magic Chai and Michael McNab landing the spoils for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike and owners Mark and Shelley Treweek in today’s Wellington Cup.

Magic Chai is likely to be set for a feature 3200-metre double after his stout staying performance to win today’s Gr.3 Wallaceville Estate Castletown Wellington Cup at Trentham.

His victory in . . . → Read More: Magical result for smart Cambridge stayer

Jasd delivering strong Derby case

Jasd (Michael McNab) bursting through the centre to win strongly at Trentham today.

Highly-regarded Cambridge three-year-old Jasd continues to press his claims for a classic call up.

The Tony Pike-trained son of Sepoy maintained his perfect record at Trentham today when he overcame a chequered run to prevail in the Harrisons Carpets & Curtains . . . → Read More: Jasd delivering strong Derby case

Tough as nails mare prevails

The game Cambridge mare Nailed It outfinishing Stylish Attack (nearest camera) at Tauranga today.

Cambridge mare Nailed It lived up to her name when she produced a tenacious performance at one of her favourite haunts today.

The seven-year-old was successful in the Crockford Real Estate Handicap (1400) at Tauranga where she has now won . . . → Read More: Tough as nails mare prevails

Te Rapa to provide clear Oaks picture

Belle du Nord, who is still in contention for the Gr.1 NZ Oaks.

Belle Du Nord’s connections will get a more accurate line on their Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) hopes after the Cambridge filly’s next appearance.

The Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) runner-up will further her preparation for the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai-sponsored classic . . . → Read More: Te Rapa to provide clear Oaks picture