Herald racing editor.
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
The remarkable rise of El Vencedor this racing season
El Vencedor won the $500,000 Otaki-Māori Classic at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Why Ellerslie's surprise outcomes have punters and bookies reeling
Punters were shocked by unexpected results at Ellerslie on Saturday.
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Willydoit out to scare and smash away opponents at Ellerslie
Willydoit may be the best horse the Clotworthys have ever had.
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Entain NZ leaders resign
Two of the biggest names in New Zealand racing and wagering industry have resigned.
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Pivotal Ten gets chance to shine in NZ’s richest race
Southlander will be running for glory under northern lights in March.
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Orchestral aims to hit high notes at Ōtaki-Māori Classic
'It could be a really niggly race with a lot of the big chances getting back.'
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'Golden ticket': Penman's meteoric rise to NZ's richest race
Trainer Stephen Marsh now has two confirmed starters, including Ardalio.
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Perfumist continues NZB Kiwi naming hoodoo
Sydney filly Perfumist is still a certain starter in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi.
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Walker heads home to Matamata
It was easy for Mark Walker to choose Matamata over Flemington as his racing destination.
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Why Greased Lightnin could be the next big name in racing
Co-trainer Scott Phelan sees him as a potential Derby contender.
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'Quite fit': Legarto ready for return after year-long break
Co-trainer Ken Kelso says Legarto has been busy on the water walker and treadmill.
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Savaglee skips NZ’s richest race for Aussie campaign
Savaglee’s brave defeat in the BCD Sprint was just enough to keep everybody happy.

El Vencedor blows his rivals away
A gamble not many would have taken paid off with a reward not many ever experience.
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Grail Seeker out to defend New Zealand’s newfound sprinting pride
The BCD shapes as a race with so many layers it is our thoroughbred race of the season.
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Racing: Nathan Delany hoping for birthday treat at Alexandra Park
'It is a chance to learn a lot and with some lovely horses, so I am really enjoying it.'
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Why El Vencedor's odds have soared in Herbie Dyke Stakes
El Vencedor's chances improved after favourites withdrew midweek.
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Leica Lucy’s next big test as Ellis Classic looms at Te Rapa
Robbie Patterson: 'She is one of those horses who is a real pleasure to train.'
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How Savaglee’s performance could redefine his racing career
Savaglee's draw, barrier four, gives him an advantage to stay close to the leaders.
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'Got better with every run': Lakelsa primed for Group 1 challenge
Lakelsa has won her last three races, including the Group 2 Mares Championship.
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'Really gutting': Snazzytavi out of Legend's Day after health scare
La Crique is now the $2.30 favourite for the Herbie Dyke after the withdrawals.

Why superstar mare Orchestral might miss the Herbie Dyke Stakes
The $700,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes will feature at least seven Group 1 winners.

Willydoit strengthens NZ Derby credentials
Willydoit won more than a race at Ellerslie on Saturday.
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How Clotworthys' racing journey led to Derby favourite Willydoit
Kevin Stott will ride Willydoit, replacing the injured Masa Hashizume.
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How Meaningful Star aims to overcome Ellerslie hurdle
Meaningful Star drew barrier 18 for the $100,000 Fulton Family Stakes at Ellerslie.
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'More aggressive': Trainer's plan to unlock Hinekaha's full potential
It is time for Hinekaha to add a new weapon to her arsenal.
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Opinion: Why NZ’s biggest racing day measures up on world stage
Some of the most lucrative rides of the New Zealand racing season are still up for grabs.

A look at the Karaka Millions and those who make it happen
How Ellerslie's StrathAyr track stole the show at Karaka Millions.
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Crocetti and Warren Kennedy return favour at Karaka Millions
Last night was jockey's ultimate chance to pay back businessman for his support.
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New Zealand Bloodstock yearling sale shaping for strong start
Industry's biggest week of the year begins when sale starts this morning at Karaka.
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Karaka Millions: Te Akau takes out mega money double at Ellerslie
Two fillies combined with two Australian jockeys to continue the stable's domination.
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Karaka Millions: Orchestral claims 4yo mile after 10 magical seconds
Six months of doubt for Orchestral disappeared in just seconds at Ellerslie tonight.
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Jockey Craig Williams aids Ukraine with $3m fundraising
The Australian jockey's wife hails from the European nation.
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Michael Guerin: How to tackle Karaka Millions night
Michael Guerin shares his suggested plays ahead of Karaka Millions night
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Donna versus Goliath in Westbury Classic
The most glamourous race meeting of the New Zealand year isn’t just about racing royalty.
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Blake Shinn and Damask Rose target Karaka Millions
Trainer content to leave race tactics to top jockey: 'That is Blake's job.'
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Orchestral must shrug off bum notes of this season
She has strong backing for Karaka Millions night but recent showings have been below par.
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Trainer’s party night advice: ‘Get on the Bourbon train’
Trainer Stephen Marsh sounds a little like a liquor salesman before the Karaka Millions.
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Winners and losers from Karaka Millions barrier draws
Trainers like to say there is no such thing as a bad barrier draw until after the race.
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The journey of Belclare: Mare returns for Westbury title defence
Group 1 winner Skew Wiff steps up to 1400m after a strong Telegraph run.
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Alabama Lass targets Group 1 glory in $700,000 super sprint
Trainer Ken Kelso is pleased with Alabama Lass's recent trial win at Matamata.
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Why trainer’s son holds secret advantage in $1m race at Ellerslie
Trainer Roydon Bergerson's filly Too Sweet is preparing in a rival stable.
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Why this year's Karaka Millions is set for international stardom
Alabama Lass and Captured By Love will challenge older sprinters in the Railway.
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Mick on Monday: Lisa Allpress faces career setback after freak accident
Allpress has 1956 NZ wins, with aims to be the first female jockey to reach 2000.
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Why Interpretation's weight is the big talking point of Wellington Cup
Interpretation faces a tough challenge with 59kg in the Wellington Cup.
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'Better chance': Trainer's high hopes for Leica Lucy in Desert Gold Stakes
Robbie Patterson aims for another major win at the Wellington Cup meeting.
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$3.5m race confirmed as target for Kiwi star Checkmate
Checkmate joins Sought After as confirmed starters for the NZB Kiwi race.
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Pivotal race decision looms for Savaglee
Key decisions loom for 3-year-olds with the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi slot race.
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'Can't separate them': Weatherley on promising Wellington Cup duo
Ess Vee Are and Arby, half-brothers, both strong contenders for Wellington Cup.
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Orchestral off tune at Ellerslie
Co-trainer Roger James was disappointed but not worried about the superstar mare.
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'We will take it race at a time': Savaglee's path to racing glory
Trainer Pam Gerard prioritises Savaglee's fitness and future over immediate winnings.
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Pride Of Alsace aims for Gr.1 Thorndon Mile win
Tycoon Prince and Hammer Time also racing and seeking strong performances.
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Racing: Trainer’s high hopes for Don’t Stop Dreaming in 2025
Mark Purdon: 'I think the change of environment has been good.'

'It was very random': The call that led top UK jockey to New Zealand
Kevin Stott is embracing New Zealand racing, eyes annual visits after triumph at Trentham.
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Mick on Monday: Why a $7500 decision could change the Thorndon Mile
Dixon confirms Marotiri Molly for Thorndon Mile, boosting betting interest.
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Spaced races help Grail Seeker complete double
Nearly four months after taking out the Tarzino, mare wins the Telegraph.
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Crocetti into Telegraph favouritism after withdrawal
Babylon Berlin being scratched has led to a dramatic market move.
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Forecast uncertainty: Big stakes race hinges on weather conditions
Grail Seeker and Waitak lead strong field in volatile Telegraph race.
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'I really thought about giving up': Star jockey's remarkable comeback
Cartwright credits move to NZ for success: 'Best thing I have ever done.'
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'No holiday': Todd's high stakes ambition for Mo’Unga
Key rivals Pinseeker and Da Vinci challenge Mo’Unga in today’s $40,000 Omakau race.
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Rapid rewards: Quick race turnarounds pay off for top trainers
Quick turnarounds pay off as Real Class and Bourbon Empress excel at Ellerslie races.

How two families' faith in their sons paid off at Auckland Cup
Drivers shine as sons secure Group 1 wins at Alexandra Park.
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Merlin's moment? Why he's favoured for the $250k Auckland Cup
Merlin favoured in Auckland Cup, back on home track with a favourable draw.

Oscar Bonavena and Muscle Mountain to continue long-running rivalry
One of New Zealand’s great staying trots could turn into a 200m drag race.
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Mick on Monday: How Greg Sugars became Auckland harness racing's standout driver
Greg Sugars aims for rare double in Auckland Cup with Better Eclipse.
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Orchestral exhibition a likely pointer
The best horse at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day won’t even be racing.
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'I had nothing left': Kiwi jockey great Opie Bosson retires from racing
Bosson was halfway through a Christmas Day run when he knew his career was over.
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'Not how you like to win': Trainer reflects on Auckland Guineas result
Trainer Andrew Forsman wins Auckland Guineas after inquiry decision.

'Wonderful win': Snazzytavi shines for Cambridge Stud on Boxing Day
Snazzytavi clinches thrilling Zabeel Classic win, edging out rival La Crique by a whisker.
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Why Sethito is the standout at Ellerslie’s Eight Carat Stakes today
O’Sullivan: ‘Sethito is the one to beat again’ in today’s 1600m race.
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'The right horse': Kennedy eyes victory in $500k Zabeel Classic
Jockey Warren Kennedy believes favourite Snazzytavi can win her first outing at Ellerslie.

Why La Crique’s return to 2000m racing is worth the wait
La Crique set for Group 1 return in Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

Mick on Monday: Aussie busy at Ellerslie from Boxing Day
Blake Shinn looks set to have a huge impact on Ellerslie’s glamour meetings.
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How David Ellis shaped NZ racing and earned Hall of Fame honour
Racing legend David Ellis humbled, says success due to team and iconic horses.
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'Hard to beat': Trainer confident as Puntura faces Group 2 test
Puntura aims for back-to-back wins in Manawatū Challenge Stakes at Trentham.
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Racing renaissance: Top stable set to shine on $100k race night
Why tonight's Golden Gait finals mark a new era for harness racing.
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Equal stakes, equal chances: Inside NZ's $1m Golden Gait race night
Golden Gait showcases diverse talent with equal stakes, headlined by Duchess Megxit.
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How a handicap 'recount' favours Alabama Lass in top sprint race
Alabama Lass to carry 52kgs in Railway after NZTR corrects handicap error.