What better way to send off Cup Week than a massive 11-race card at Riccarton Park this Saturday highlighted by the 161st edition of the G3 New Zealand Cup. Last year’s runner-up Nest Egg is looking to go one better in 2024 while 2022 winner Aljay returns and is sure to have his share of supporters.

Timaru gelding Richard Stomper will head north to Riccarton on Wednesday where he will get a deserved crack at stakes level for the first time in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m).

It’s not very often that Te Akau Racing take the underdog tag into any race, particularly the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), but that’s the case this weekend with their representative When Stars Align.

The Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) was not an easy watch for the connections of Captured By Love, and co-trainer Sam Bergerson is hoping some redemption can be served in Monday’s Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa.

Sandy Cunningham has eyes on a major upcoming domestic prize rather than another trip to Victoria with her proven stayer Noble Knight.

Rohan Mudhoo started a new chapter in his riding career at Ashburton on Sunday, returning from a serious health issue that took him away from the sport for the past nine months.

Racing in Southland has been far from smooth sailing this season, and Gore’s Wednesday meeting will mark the start of several campaigns for Graham Eade and Brooke Kincaid’s team of horses.

New Zealand-bred galloper Warmonger will take his place among some of Australia’s elite stayers in Saturday’s A$5 million Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in Melbourne.

A flying visit across the Tasman has paid dividends for Victorian jockey Liam Riordan, who rode back-to-back winners at Ashburton on Saturday with Fellini and Vivacious.

Ashburton couple Sarah and Chris Green and business partner Ger Beemsterboer have experienced plenty of highs in racing under their Barneswood Farm banner, but this weekend could prove to be the pinnacle in their racing endeavours.

New Zealand syndicator Fortuna’s silks have been to the fore during Melbourne Cup Week through the deeds of Melody Belle, and they are hoping they can feature prominently once more through their rising star Bellatrix Star.

It came as no surprise to Steven Cole that Customized was unfazed by the lengthy trip south from Byerley Park to Christchurch.