Jonny Turner

Spankem continued his perfect preparation for the New Zealand Cup when speeding past his star stablemates to win the Ashburton Flying Stakes yesterday.

Eastern Southland pacer Robyns Playboy showed off his sizzling speed and versatility to hold out Cast No Shadow in an exciting finish to the Tuapeka Cup at Forbury Park yesterday.

North Island gallopers Sherwood Forest and Travelling Light boosted their guineas race hopes at the New Zealand Cup carnival at opposite ends of the country on Saturday.

Rakaia reinsman Gerard O'Reilly has been gifted a pleasant surprise for today's Ashburton Flying Stakes in the form of New Zealand Cup contender Cruz Bromac.

Eastern Southland pacer Sagwitch will return to his happy place to contest tomorrow's Tuapeka Cup.

The Hope family got some small recompense after their champion trotter Monbet went amiss this week when they scored a winning double at Oamaru yesterday.

New Zealand star Te Akau Shark will have to hold out the might of Japan to put his name alongside Australasia's galloping greats by winning tomorrow's Cox Plate.

Thoroughbred enthusiasts can sit back and enjoy around 24 hours of brilliant racing across Australasia this weekend. Racing writer Jonny Turner takes a look at some of the highlights, from a...

Tapanui trainers Nikki and Barry Blatch were rewarded for their keen eye for a horse when they produced Mr Intelligence and Superstition for upset wins at Oamaru yesterday.

Westwood Beach trainer Graeme Anderson's big month can get even better at Oamaru today.

Talented Southland mare Picture Me Rollin will start what trainer Jo-Anne Dalton hopes is a big season at Oamaru today.

Cambridge filly Kali gave her rivals every opportunity to beat her when sitting three-wide without cover throughout the Barnswood Farm Classic on Saturday, but they could not get close.

Southland reinswoman Kirstin Barclay put on a driving master class and showed how her career in the sulky has gone full circle when winning both feature races on Riverton Cup day yesterday.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike hopes Kali's bad luck will be over once the gates open for today's group 3 Barneswood Farm Classic at Ashburton.

Mitchell Robertson made doubly sure of his first win as a trainer when he produced Vintage Beach and Touche for a quinella finish at Forbury Park last night.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has the chance to conquer the racing world before the All Blacks continue their World Cup quest against Ireland in Japan tomorrow.

Melbourne rider Stephen Baster is not fazed about Southern-bred galloper The Chosen One's wide draw in tomorrow's Caulfield Cup.

Racing writer Jonny Turner caught up with leading trainer-driver Mark Purdon before he steps out a stunning 16-horse team at Addington tonight.

Canterbury mare Sweet Mary gets the chance to start her season in style when she free- falls down the grades at Forbury Park tonight.

Australian trotter McLovin will have his own southern support crew when his Dunedin breeders, Daryl and Anne Trainor, are on hand for his New Zealand Cup carnival tilt.