The first horse to carry the famous blue colours of the leviathan Coolmore operation in New Zealand has received a first-hand tick of approval.

Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards still promise to hold a strong hand in the NZB 1000 Guineas despite two of their early fancies for the fillies’ feature being ruled out of the Christchurch party.

Last week it was Windborne’s turn. Now it’s time for Matamata trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards’ fellow leading Guineas candidates to shine.

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Filly of the Year Series springs into action on Saturday with the running of the Group 3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings.

A trans-Tasman racing partnership has made a perfect start with the debut victory of the regally-bred filly Love Triangle.