Ellerslie’s newly developed track passed its first test on Monday since remedial work was undertaken following several slips on the surface earlier this year.
Moonlight Magic employed a barnstorming finish from last to secure a valuable stakes victory when she captured the Group 3 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie.
Stephen Marsh will be hoping to continue his winning ways with his emerging two-year-old talent with three runners engaged in the Listed Star Way Stakes.
Belclare will attempt a rare feat when she heads to Ellerslie to defend her title in Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
Quality mare Town Cryer performed with distinction in her first appearance at Ellerslie and Roydon Bergerson has every reason to expect another bold showing.
New Zealand Cup winner Mahrajaan earned himself a special place in New Zealand racing history by adding Saturday’s Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.
Superstar filly Velocious cemented herself atop the country’s two-year-old ranks with a tenacious victory in Saturday’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m).