Capable flat galloper Billy Boy made the perfect start to his jumping career at Woodville on Sunday, putting on a polished display to claim the Pat & The Late John Shannon (3000m).

Rugged galloper Master Marko was toughness personified at Riccarton on Saturday when he produced a front-running victory in the main race on the day, the TAB Open Mile (1600m).

Winter warhorse Verry Flash recorded the 14th win of his career in Saturday’s Wanganui Insurance Brokers (2060m), and in the process he provided an unforgettable moment for his 22-year-old jockey Amber Riddell.

Under-rated Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb took her career to all-new heights last season, and a smart fresh-up performance in Saturday’s Balance Accountants Open (1200m) at Wanganui hinted at more to come in 2024-25.

Progressive sprinter Spencer gets a chance to redeem himself at Wanganui on Saturday and add to his burgeoning record.

Group One winner Pennyweka took trainer Jim Wallace and her army of owners on the ride of a lifetime when taking out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double last year, and just 18 months on the Opaki horseman thinks he might have another filly just as capable.

Promising gelding Martell will face his sternest test to date when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to tackle the Balance Accountants Open 1200.

Robbie Patterson is confident Read About It possesses all the attributes to make his mark at the highest level later this season.

Roger James gave his seal of approval to glamour mare Orchestral following her hit-out at Taupo on Wednesday.

Ruakaka trainer Kenny Rae has a great record campaigning horses in the South Island and he is hoping that will continue this spring when he heads to Riccarton with Saturday winner Illicit Dreams.

Amber Riddell may be following her parents’ footsteps into racing, but the newly licensed apprentice jockey is keen to plot her on path in the industry she loves.

Cambridge trainer Hollie Wynyard will attempt to turn the clock back 10 years on Saturday to maintain her perfect record at New Zealand’s most northern circuit.

What you see is what you get with consistent mare Tanner and trainer Kylie Hoskin sees no reason to expect anything else from her charge at Saturday’s Taranaki meeting.

West Coast may not have any black-type against his name, but he is proving to be one of best performers for his ill-fated sire Mettre En Jeu.