Twelve months since the start of a frustrating run of Group One seconds in the TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m), Te Awamutu mare La Crique is ready to go one better in next week’s Trentham feature.

Proven stars from Wexford Stables were out in force at Tuesday’s Taupo trials as they limbered up for important assignments on the horizon.

Cambridge Stud mare Jaarffi posted yet another stakes placing over the weekend, and trainer Lance Noble is hoping she can be rewarded for her consistency with an elusive black-type victory over summer.

Opting for Cambridge apprentice Sienna Brown as Spencer’s rider at Wanganui on Saturday wasn’t a difficult decision for the talented gelding’s connections.

Perennial black-type bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha shed that unwanted tag in outstanding fashion when she downed a quality line-up of mares in Saturday’s Gr.2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe.

Kozzi Asano signed off his brief New Zealand homecoming with a winning treble at Pukekohe on Saturday, headed by black-type success aboard Ardalio in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m).

Quality sprinter Spencer showed all his fighting qualities when he dug deep to earn his ninth career win in one of the feature events at Wanganui on Saturday, the Manawatu ITM 1340.

Not even a wide draw can dent Bruce Wallbank’s enthusiasm at the prospects of his talented sprinter Midnight Edition in the Gr. 3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Well-related stayer Notabadspillane is on a mission to take care of unfinished family business at Riccarton on Saturday.

Canterbury galloper Matscot will aim to break a streak of visitor success in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) when he takes his second shot at the feature on Wednesday at Riccarton Park.

Progressive galloper Force Of Nature returned to racing with a vengeance as he took out the feature event at Pukekohe, the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m), courtesy of a rails-hugging ride from Triston Moodley.

Group One winner Captured By Love returned to the scene of her biggest win and was right back at the peak of her powers in the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

A relentlessly wet spring has provided a frustrating start to the season for David Greene, but things might be turning the corner as the Te Rapa trainer prepares to unleash his emerging star First Five in Saturday’s Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Pukekohe.

Trans-Tasman trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping his stable can feature on both sides of the ditch this weekend.