Tony Pike is confident Golden Century can realise his full potential over ground and his opinion has been endorsed by a major international player.

Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb already has a Group One placing next to her name, and owner-trainer Kim Reid is hoping to improve on that in the coming months.

Talented juvenile Yaldi will make his first Kiwi appearance as a three-year-old at Te Rapa on Saturday, with plenty of exciting prospects on the horizon.

Star colt Savaglee will be given the opportunity to maximise his stallion potential on Australian soil in the autumn and will take his first steps toward that goal on his home track.

A crack at a major summer sprinting prize against the older horses hasn’t been ruled out for quality three-year-old Poetic Champion.

Well-performed speed merchant Babylon Berlin will strip a fitter mare for Saturday’s assignment at Ellerslie.

Wexford Stables co-trainer Andrew Scott had an eventful start to the Taupo trial meeting and one he was happy to quickly move on from.

Progressive mare Mi Bella will have to overcome an unfavourable barrier draw if she is to repeat the efforts of her stablemate Lovearoadie at Te Aroha on Wednesday.

Tight photo finishes were the story of Saturday’s meeting at Pukekohe Park, and in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Qualifier (1600m), there was no exception with a four-way go topped by Aladdin Sane.

Return To Conquer headed into his raceday debut in Saturday’s Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) with a big price tag, big reputation and big expectations, and the million-dollar colt produced a Pukekohe performance worthy of the hype.

Counties Cup Day has become a very familiar fixture for Sacred Satono, who will make his fourth appearance at the meeting when he defends his title in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.

The connections of the talented and patiently handled mare Imprevu are aiming high this preparation with their pride and joy.