Royally bred filly La Dorada justified some inspired betting support when she proved too tough in the closing stages of the Hallmark Stud (1100m) at Te Rapa.

The Subzero Handicap (1400m), a race solely for registered grey thoroughbreds, has proven to be a fan favourite at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, and this year, Kiwis will have their own grey to barrack for.

High-class sprinter Babylon Berlin put a challenging season behind her with an impressive return to the Te Awamutu trials on Tuesday.

Ellerslie’s Saturday meeting will mark the start of a career for one exciting Tony Pike-trained galloper in Storm Front, while another, Not Guilty, will commence her final campaign on the racetrack.