NZ Racing Desk

New Zealand harness racing legend Barry Purdon had a weekend to remember with a dual-code winning double.

Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander have set their sights towards summer targets with their star mare La Crique following yet another runner-up result in last month’s Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa.

OTI Racing is officially going trans-Tasman, with the Australian syndicator becoming a licensed New Zealand syndicator this week.

Adverse weather has forced multiple Group 1 winner Quintessa to take an unorthodox route to Saturday’s Group 1 Livamol Classic.

Kiwi jockey Masa Hashizume will step onto the Flemington turf for the first time this weekend when he attempts to qualify Trav for the Melbourne Cup.

Comeback trainer Johnno Benner could have the horse to put him back on the big stage after the debut win of two-year-old filly De Armas at Otaki on Friday.

First-season Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State was represented by an impressive trial winner when State Of Valour coasted to victory in his two-year-old heat over 730m at Te Rapa on Tuesday.