Hollywood Lass is a wonderful example of the stiff opposition all favoured runners face on a magnificently competitive 10-race card on Derby day at Ellerslie.

Partyon showed plenty to justify her hot favouritism in the $125,000 Pascoes Northern Oaks at Alexandra Park last night.

Pam Gerard critical to the development of Derby favourite.

Complete confidence in one feature at Alexandra Park tonight, none in the other.

Mike Moroney trains leading chances for the two richest races at the Auckland Cup carnival.

Lisa Allpress has picked up the ride on Leading Role in the group one New Zealand Derby after a late change of plans by Chris Johnson.

Taranaki businessman Chris Thompson decided to invest in a couple of broodmares to boost his thoroughbred interests in 2014.

The Awapuni trainer will be represented in the $1 million race by Stephenstihls, who will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley.

Classy colt in great shape at special gallops morning at Ellerslie yesterday.

You ask Hugh Bowman how he mentally prepares himself to ride Winx and you have your pen ready.

Jason Waddell was having his first ride on Kawi and he played his part to perfection to guide Savabeel's best son to victory.

Champion mare Winx extended her amazing winning streak to 15.

Precocious colt Summer Passage has strengthened his case for an autumn trip across the Tasman with an impressive home track triumph to open his black type account.

Princess Rihanna will anchor a three-pronged attack on today's Matamata Breeders' Stakes (1200m).

If Lazarus is to cap one of the great summers in New Zealand harness racing history, he is going to have to do it the hard way.

On a day when remarkable mare Winx will take 98 per cent of the centre stage, there is more than six hours of domestic racing to absorb.

The cream of the nation's greyhound talent will be involved in cut-throat chasing action at the Manukau Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

It's no secret Winx's rivals are lining up in the group one Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick running for second.

Like a lot of 2-year-olds, Florence Jean had flirted with a touch of shin soreness on her way through to making a brilliant 4.5 length debut win at Ruakaka on December 13.

Kawi showdown against Start Wondering deserves to be dead-heat but watch for Sofia Rosa.

Star Cambridge galloper Turn Me Loose's fitness levels have gone up in the past fortnight.

Hugh Bowman believes Winx can chase down Black Caviar's 25-run winning streak.

Whanganui rider won't start wondering but prefers to focus on winning the big races.

Aussie trainer David Aiken is far more interested in his horses heading into the greatest race of the pacing season.

Stephen Marsh will set Sofia Rosa's autumn programme in stone after she runs at Otaki on Saturday.

Talented mare Capella won't race again this season.

Australian three-year-old Rising Red will be on trial for the $1 million New Zealand Derby when he races at Sandown today.

Anthony Butt usually has a plan. And the one he has hatched for this Saturday's Miracle Mile harness race at Menangle could turn the great race on its head.

Wyndspelle is a confirmed New Zealand Derby starter, while an offshore classic is on the agenda for the colt's stablemate Tavidream.

Yearling sales often throw up surprises but not many as big as the sales topper at Karaka yesterday.