In-form four-year-old Herbert will end an already lucrative campaign at Tauranga on Saturday before a break, with plans to travel further afield later in the year.

Group Two winner Yaldi will return to the races on Saturday at Tauranga in the Triton Pacific Owens Plate (1200m), with a view to sticking to shorter trips.

Confidence is growing in the Stephen Marsh-trained stablemates Velocious and Super Photon returning to their best form in upcoming campaigns.

There’s plenty of anticipation ahead of regally-bred colt Hostility’s raceday debut at Matamata on Wednesday.

Well-related colt Tardelli will make a return trip to Wellington in his bid to add a black-type victory to his burgeoning record.

Versatile mare Doddle made up for a luckless run in Listed company at her last start when she produced a strong staying performance to take out the Matamata Function Centre (2000m) on Saturday.

Ellerslie is home again for the New Zealand Derby.

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray are eyeing both of New Zealand’s feature three-year-old staying races in March and their Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Eye Candy appeared at the trials at Cambridge on Tuesday.

Well-performed stablemates Talisker and Trobriand will aim to take their season to the next level at Taupo on Wednesday with a strong assignment in the Fiber Fresh (1400m).

Multiple Group One winner Legarto will make her long-awaited return to racing when she heads to her home track at Matamata on Saturday to contest the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m).

Stephen Marsh’s in-form stable will have an array of stakes contenders in action at Matamata this weekend and for one of his younger rising stars it’s all about timing.

Grail Seeker’s season has painted a pretty picture so far for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, with her two starts in two Group Ones resulting in two wins.

El Vencedor has been an unstoppable force at Ellerslie, and while there are looming targets at northern headquarters for the gelding, a lucrative bonus and prize money on offer at Te Rapa this weekend have lured his connections south.

Savaglee has conquered all before him at age-group level in New Zealand, and on Saturday, the star colt will take on the older horses in a star-studded edition of the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m).