As of 7:45pm NZDT, the lead piece for this week’s edition appeared to lean heavily towards the clear-cut win by Snazzytavi (Tavistock) in the Livamol Classic (Gr 1, 2040m). After 800 metres of the Toorak Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m) there was no reason to change course but in the space of 220 metres and an... Read More

The ownership trio of Bourke, Bourke and Piercy may race their charges in yellow and black but the colour purple might be more appropriate after a memorable week. One Bold Cat (The Bold One) saluted in the postponed and transferred Arrowfield Stud Plate (Gr 1, 1600m) last Wednesday, providing more than enough for the ownership... Read More

Stud book produce records can unlock interesting stories. Some need detective work and one came into play after Evaporate (Per Incanto) strode to a convincing win in the Bill Stutt Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) at The Valley last Friday night. The race was notable for Per Incanto (Street Cry) as the third horse, Rue de... Read More

The cold result says that top-class Orchestral (Savabeel) finished eighth on her return to racing as a four-year-old, beating five runners home. Such bare facts can be misleading and the mare performed quite well, certainly better than her first–up effort as a three-year-old. There is no reason to point to the track either. Ellerslie’s new... Read More

Now that the breeding season is in full swing, so is the stakes-racing season and black type is the best advertisement for any stallion. In the “what about me” class is Niagara (Encosta de Lago) sire of Saturday’s Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) winner Raziah. Raziah was having her fourth start. Last season at two... Read More