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.

The countdown to the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) will move up a notch at Te Rapa on Saturday when Waikato Stud’s runner Sought After lines up in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m).

Top mare Snazzytavi is ready to kick off her summer campaign, which will revolve around further Group One weight-for-age opportunities.

Bold front-runner Witz End is likely to be seen in a different role in Saturday’s Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

Quality filly Sethito produced a timely and satisfying victory for Waikato Stud when she impressively bridged the gap to black type company at Ellerslie.

While all eyes are on New Zealand-bred gelding Ka Ying Rising ahead of Sunday’s Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), his compatriot Flying Ace has made a late bid to cause an upset in the Sha Tin feature.

A look at those in this year’s Hong Kong Sprint who have Australasian origins.

The decision to move the Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) to a new position on the calendar has worked wonders for Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, who has now won both December runnings of the Wanganui feature.

The best will be seen of promising colt Bourbon Proof when he transitions to middle distance racing, but he is still more than capable of making his presence felt over a shorter trip on Saturday.

In any other year Group One-winning mare Skew Wiff would likely be on her way to the breeding barn, however, with the level of prizemoney now on offer, owner-breeder Mark Chittick of Waikato Stud has decided to continue with her as a racing proposition.

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.

Vendor Barry Donoghue enjoyed a lucrative two days at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale last week and he’s now celebrated a significant result in another role.

Andrew Forsman has won every Group One race for three-year-olds in New Zealand apart from the Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), and the Cambridge trainer hopes Kitty Flash might be the filly to give him his missing piece at Riccarton on Saturday.

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.