Te Akau’s black type troops will be out in force on Saturday with leading hopes chasing down elite level honours and a quartet of contenders in the hunt for the richest purse on offer at Ellerslie. Unbeaten filly Lara Antipova (Russian Revolution) will start a short-priced favourite in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), although trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson also expect a bold showing from stablemate Out Of The Blue (NZ) (Tivaci). An uncharacteristic last-start failure aside, Towering Vision’s (NZ) (Circus Maximus) form entitles him to respect in the…
Day: 5 March 2026
Haunui proudly flying Kiwi flag
The second running of the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on Saturday is already a major triumph for Karaka nursery Haunui Farm. The stud has a remarkable five graduates chasing the richest prize in Australasia for three-year-olds with Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo), He Who Dares (NZ) (Snitzel), L’Aigle Noir (NZ) (Ribchester), War Princess (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) in contention for the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race. “The amazing thing is that it’s a different style of race, someone has to pick your horse…
Gerard to launch two-pronged attack at NZB Kiwi
Pam Gerard started the week by farewelling her stable star Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) and she is hoping to end it on a high when she heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to line-up two runners in the second running of the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo) and Affirmative Action (Yes Yes Yes) have featured prominently among New Zealand’s three-year-old ranks this season, headed by their quinella in November’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. Romanoff’s victory in that race secured the Canterbury Jockey Club’s NZB Kiwi…
Trav out to defend Auckland Cup crown
Bulls trainer Raymond Connors has a sense of déjà vu with his quality stayer Trav (NZ) (Almanzor) ahead of Saturday’s Gr.2 Trackside Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. The son of Almanzor was strong late when finishing fourth in last year’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) ahead of his victory in the Auckland Cup, and he put in a near identical performance at Trentham in January when finishing fifth, giving Connors the confidence to press on to try and defend his crown in the Auckland Cup. “He is pretty similar (to last…
Jockey jump highlights Lady’s G1 chances
Regular rider Nash Rawiller will be in the opposition corner for Gringott’s (NZ) (Per Incanto) resumption. As Ciaron Maher prepares for the return of Gringotts in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, a rival jockey has inadvertently given a major push for one of the race’s key players. Nash Rawiller developed a strong partnership with Gringotts at the tail end of his most recent campaign, collecting back-to-back victories in the Big Dance and The Gong. Horse and jockey were penciled in to reunite in Saturday’s Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m), but…
Early rush key to Pinseeker’s chances at Menangle
By Adam Hamilton Pinseeker’s hopes of making one of the strongest Miracle Mile fields for 20 years could rest on how the first 150 metres plays out at Menangle on Saturday night. If Jonny Cox can get across from gate two to head-off pole-marker The Janitor and find the pegs, it will be a huge boost to Pinseeker’s prospects. Only a top two finish in a star-studded $75,000 Bioworma Sprint (11.10pm) will guarantee Pinseeker a spot in the elite eight-horse Miracle Mile a week later. He still has a chance…
Carolan Questro looms as big chance at Cambridge tonight
By Jordyn Bublitz Strong lead-up form and an ideal draw has trainer Rod MacKenzie confident about Carolan Questro’s chances at Cambridge tonight. The five-year-old mare will line up in Race 4, the Drax Project At Night Of Champions Junior Drivers Mobile Pace (2200 metres). Having drawn the ace, MacKenzie says Carolan Questro will be heading for the front. “She’s got tons of early speed and she’ll lead early,” he says. The daughter of A Rocknroll Dance has been carefully managed throughout her career, and MacKenzie is eager to see her…
All Eyes on Well Written in $4m NZB Kiwi
The barrier draw is complete for the $4m NZB Kiwi taking place Saturday at Ellerslie. Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo) was offered by Haunui Farm in Book 2 of Karaka 2024, where he was bought by Ballymore Stables/Paul Moroney Bloodstock/Catheryne Bruggeman for $75,000. He has had nine starts for two wins, two placings and $485,575 in prize-money, headed by Group One glory in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November. He is eligible for the $1m Bonus Pool. To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel) was bought by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis for $200,000 from…