Matt Smith

Len Glassford reckons winning $300,000 is not all that hard.

The Diamond One was the star attraction at the Wingatui jump-outs yesterday and she did not disappoint.

Wayne Stewart would love for the bidding to reach boiling point for a half-sister to Inferno at the New Zealand Bloodstock select sale next week.

Nicolaas Vermeulen's luck has certainly turned, judging by San Antonio Rose's authoritative win at Oamaru yesterday.

Steven Anderton's well-travelled mares are enjoying the warmth at Karaka ahead of their Pukekohe debut today.

To win a race after more than a year and a-half off the scene is impressive, but driver Samantha Ottley warns that Chaff Muncha is not a sure thing at Oamaru tomorrow.

Cup champion Terror To Love is likely to be back in Southland next week after an arrogant appearance in the group 3 Northern Southland Cup at Ascot Park last night.

Paul Richards has been hanging out for a decent barrier draw with Natuzzi.

Wingatui jockey Courtney Barnes received the ultimate thumbs-up from her older peers on the West Coast last week.

Invercargill today, Australia next month.

West Indian seamer Jason Holder will join the Otago Volts for Saturday night's HRV Twenty20 final in Hamilton.

A shorter season but increased prize money per race can provide a boost to the South Island jumps racing scene in 2014.

The home track ruled for Oamaru-trained standard-breds yesterday - although an Ashburton trainer might consider the North Otago town one of his favourites, too, after yesterday.

Wingatui star galloper Natuzzi will continue on to the group 1 Telegraph on January 18 following his eighth at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.

An inside draw is not ideal for Astrapi at the twilight meeting at Oamaru today, but he may well have the motor to overcome any bad manners.

Bill McDonald reckons his mother would have toasted Machinegun Kelly's win in race 3 at Cromwell yesterday with a drop of sherry.