As President of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association, you would think Stephen Baster would be clued in as to the timing of Group 1 races.

Tavistock filly Pretty Tavi (NZ) belied her pedigree by comprehensively leading throughout to win her 1200-metre Mornington three-year-old fillies’ maiden by 4.5 lengths on Thursday.

With four wins from six starts on heavy tracks, Expat (NZ) (Makfi) shapes as a major contender in The Nivison.

Even before Wednesday’s barrier draw, Michael Kent Jnr was keen to see I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) settle closer than usual in this weekend’s A$1 million Gr.1 The Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield.

Trainers Ben and JD Hayes remain upbeat about the chances of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) heading into the business end of spring racing.

A year after an up-and-down spring culminated with a bold fourth in the A$15 million The Everest (1200m), Saturday’s Gr.2 Bisley Workwear Premiere Stakes (1200m) has given Lost And Running a very different build-up to the world’s richest turf race.

A dream spring for Smokin’ Romans went to another all-new high at Flemington on Saturday, scoring his first Group One victory in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m).