There is plenty of excitement surrounding next year’s inaugural NZB Kiwi, which has found its way south to Dunedin.

Southland trainer Robert Dennis is making the long trek north to Riccarton with two contenders for their Saturday meeting, including Lofty’s Gift who is shooting for her fifth straight win in the Taggart Earthmoving Rating 75 (2000m).

Ashburton trainers Sarah and Matthew Smith are looking forward to heading to Oamaru on Thursday where they will line-up a trio of runners.

Krystal Williams will head south to Oamaru’s meeting on Thursday with a quintet of runners and she is hoping to return home with a couple of winners cheques.

Veteran Timaru trainer Leonard Stewart is set to feature prominently at his local meeting on Sunday, with 11 runners entered across the nine-race programme at Phar Lap Raceway.

Fillies have dominated recent editions of the Listed John Turkington Forestry Ltd Castletown Stakes (1200m), and Tony Pike is hoping Raziah can be next on the honour roll this Saturday at Wanganui.

Talented Riverton three-year-old Riviera Rebel will head to Wingatui on Sunday to kick off a winter campaign that could culminate in a shot at the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m).

Leading South Island trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman are expected to be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the coming days.

Tayla Melvin had an afternoon to remember at Pukekohe Park on Saturday, riding her first winner in the saddle aboard the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Devoted.

Courtney Barnes is on track for a career-best season in the saddle and continued her winning roll with a double at Taupo on Wednesday.

With three runner-up results from just five raceday appearances, De Russian Rocket is due a win, and trainer Ebony Turner is hoping it comes at Wingatui on Friday.