The best will be seen of promising colt Bourbon Proof when he transitions to middle distance racing, but he is still more than capable of making his presence felt over a shorter trip on Saturday.

In any other year Group One-winning mare Skew Wiff would likely be on her way to the breeding barn, however, with the level of prizemoney now on offer, owner-breeder Mark Chittick of Waikato Stud has decided to continue with her as a racing proposition.

Progressive mare Mi Bella will have to overcome an unfavourable barrier draw if she is to repeat the efforts of her stablemate Lovearoadie at Te Aroha on Wednesday.

Vendor Barry Donoghue enjoyed a lucrative two days at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale last week and he’s now celebrated a significant result in another role.

Andrew Forsman has won every Group One race for three-year-olds in New Zealand apart from the Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), and the Cambridge trainer hopes Kitty Flash might be the filly to give him his missing piece at Riccarton on Saturday.

What better way to send off Cup Week than a massive 11-race card at Riccarton Park this Saturday highlighted by the 161st edition of the G3 New Zealand Cup. Last year’s runner-up Nest Egg is looking to go one better in 2024 while 2022 winner Aljay returns and is sure to have his share of supporters.

Kopua attended to unfinished business in style on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup carnival at Riccarton when he produced an irresistible finish to claim top honours in the main event on the card.

Tony Pike’s runners haven’t missed a beat in their bid to successfully execute a black-type double for the stable at Riccarton on Wednesday.

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are not short of sprinting talent in their Matamata stable, with four runners set to contest Saturday’s Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa.

Progressive mare Marotiri Molly made in three wins in a row when she overcame a chequered passage in the home straight to take out the Courtesy Ford Redcraze Bowl (1400m) at Trentham.

Arjay’s Flight will be out to keep his perfect record intact for new trainer Shaun Phelan when he heads to Trentham on Saturday to contest the Feilding Hotel 1600.

Lux Libertas kicked off her campaign in July as a maidener and on Saturday she will be given the opportunity to prove herself in Open company for the first time in the Financial Services 1300.

The road to Riccarton Park has not been an easy one for Savaglee, but the colt indicated he is right on track with a stunning performance in Wednesday’s transferred Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha.

Savaglee’s path to his spring grand final will take another detour this week with Pam Gerard admitting to severe frustration with the disrupted preparation.