Premiership-leading jockey Warren Kennedy was the first to crack the 100-win mark for the season at Matamata on Friday when guiding Lightning Dream to victory.
Snazzytavi has seemingly flown through the grades this season, and the mare will prepare for another black-type target in Wednesday’s South Waikato Cup.
Warren Kennedy has stamped an indelible mark on New Zealand racing with the ex-pat South African jockey dominating proceedings at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day.
Undefeated three-year-old Crocetti confirmed his superstar quality with another scintillating performance in Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.
Crocetti takes a perfect four-from-four record into Saturday’s $150,000 Sarten, which is his last dress rehearsal ahead of the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.
Promising filly Luberon confirmed she is right on schedule for a trip to Christchurch later in the spring with a comprehensive winning performance at Matamata.
Classy mare Aquacade was dominant in staying company last season and commences an exciting spring campaign in a competitive Listed Matamata Cup (1600m).
The excitement surrounding the looming meeting of top three-year-olds Tokyo Tycoon and Crocetti kicked up a gear following the latter’s victory at Te Rapa.
"I had resigned myself to defeat," admitted trainer Roger James as he watched jockey Warren Kennedy leg up aboard Apostrophe at Hastings last Saturday.
Exciting three-year-old Crocetti displayed his classic credentials once again when claiming Group 3 Northland Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka on Saturday.