Peter Didham’s impressive form this season continued at Trentham on Saturday, with eye-catching pair Fashion Icon and Manifique staking their claim for black-type opportunities this summer.
There will be a changing of the guard at Wellfield Lodge, with the Palmerston North thoroughbred nursery being offered to the market for the first time in two decades.
Manawatu horsewoman Tineke Balcombe came up smiling on her first raceday experience at Matamata on Saturday when Colorado Star won the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m).
Another daring ride by Jonathan Riddell provided the impetus for rejuvenated galloper Colorado Star to claim his second consecutive stakes victory when he cruised home to win the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.
A cagey ride by Ryan Elliot and a never-say-die attitude from his mount Colorado Star saw the pair upset the applecart at odds of $32 as they combined for victory in the Gr.3 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Taranaki Cup (1800m) at New Plymouth.