Graduates of the Karaka sales finished first and second in the opening black type race of the 2018-19 New Zealand racing season in the G3 Winter Cup at Riccarton Park.

Iffraaj mare New York Minute bolstered her resume with a second black-type win in Saturday’s Listed Opunake Cup at New Plymouth.

Champion trainer Andrew Forsman has given a glowing report on a trio of proven mares heading into Saturday's Listed PowerworxOpunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth, giving rise to the prospect of a repeat feature-race trifecta.

Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have tentative Group One plans for the powerful mare New York Minute.

Allan Sharrock only needs to think back 12 months to gain all the confidence he needs going into Saturday's Listed Woburn Farm Tauranga Classic (1400m).