A $100,000 carrot at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting in August is firmly in the sights of trainer Howie Mathews with a pair of his gallopers, but he is being forced to take an unsuitable path to the lucrative target.

Star hurdler Berry The Cash will chase his first title at Hastings on Saturday, while stablemate West Coast is out to defend his crown in the AHD – Animal Health Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m).

Robbie Patterson has one final box to tick in a phenomenal season for his Taranaki stable, and the win of Catherinenz at Riccarton Park on Saturday brought him within touching distance.

Multiple Group One-winning trainer Johno Benner will take an indefinite break at the end of this season.

There are a number of meetings set to take place on Saturday with the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm the highlight.

A combination of dedication and a willingness to travel continues to reward Central Districts jockey Chris Dell.

The Queensland Racing Carnival rolls on this Saturday at Eagle Farm with the running of Queensland Oaks Day.

Well-related mare Dresse’ Par Joli will have her final opportunity to break her maiden on Wednesday before she heads off on a winter break.

Noel McCutcheon’s lifelong dedication to the racing industry was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours on Monday where he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the thoroughbred and harness racing industries.

Central Districts jockey Darryl Bradley has been in a career transition over the last few years, and he feels now is the right time to officially call time on his riding career.

Promising filly Star Shadow has the chance to break new ground for New Zealand’s leading stable when she lines up as a hot favourite in Saturday’s Listed Staphanos at Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe.

Stakes performer Conor O’Ceirin will take his first steps toward upcoming feature race targets when he resumes at Trentham on Saturday.

The Manawatu ITM Awapuni Hurdle (3000m) has not been a kind race to quality hurdler English Gambler, and the week leading into his third shot at the $60,000 feature at Woodville this Sunday has caused more headaches for his trainer Lauren Brennan.

Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler will be represented on both islands in the coming days, starting with Wingatui on Friday where he will line-up a trio of runners.