Emerging young trainer Alex Rae is hoping Shock ‘Em Ova (NZ) (Shocking) can put his name up in lights to kick-start 2023 when his undefeated galloper returns to The Valley on Saturday.

Success in Saturday’s Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m) for Elsie May might save Wingatui trainer Shane Anderton from unwelcome jibes from his in-laws.

It was an important jump outs session for the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable at Cranbourne on Monday with stable stars and rising prospects taking the next steps in big race preparations.

All eyes were on Dunkel in the Stud and Stable Staff Awards Handicap (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday, and the hottest favourite of the day duly delivered – but not without giving his supporters some nervous moments along the way.

Three days after Sir Patrick Hogan was farewelled with a funeral service in Hamilton, the legendary New Zealand breeder’s influence was yet again felt in black-type company as Snapper scored a bold front-running victory in the Gr.3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Talented three-year-old Hokkaido overcame a rocky run to score an impressive victory in the A$150,000 Precise Air Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Western Empire (NZ) (Iffraaj) will make his claim for a berth in the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) when he lines-up in the Gr.3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Trans-Tasman trainer Michael Moroney is excited to tackle feature sprint racing in the coming month with his dual Group One winner Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto).

Former Kiwi gallopers Netanyahu (NZ) (Alamosa), Riverplate (NZ) (Flying Artie) and So Unusual (NZ) (Unusual Suspect) took out successive races at Sandown (Ladbrokes Park Hillside) on Saturday.

Logan Street Lion (NZ) (Tavistock) fended off the late-charge of Mahagoni (Muhaarar) to score a strong win in the Cleanaway Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller to land the second win of his current campaign.