The last few weeks have put a spring in the step of the team at Riccarton Park.

Today Basketball New Zealand announced a Sky Sport Tall Ferns Showcase game, to be played ahead of the NBL Showdown Grand Final on 1 August.

The Auckland Huskies are gaining momentum and doing so seemingly with every minute that Izayah Mouriohooho Le’afa plays as the late-arriving point guard continues to find his feet in the Sal’s NBL Showdown.

The Mike Pero Nelson Giants came from 25 points down to take Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs to overtime after the scores were tied 75 points apiece in regulation.

Waikato Stud bred and owned filly Grand De Flora will step up to 2000m for the first time at Caulfield on Saturday.

The daughter of Champion New Zealand sire Savabeel, and triple Group One winner Daffodil, will be vying for her third straight victory in the race.

Gore trainer Ellis Winsloe thought he would have a couple of nice chances in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) this year, however, its absence as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced him to change tack.

Sophie Devine has been confirmed as the WHITE FERNS captain with Amy Satterthwaite to take the role of vice-captain following her return from maternity leave.

Waipukurau trainer Simon Wilson has welcomed the announcement that the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) will take place next month.

Wilson trains reigning race victor Dez, who also placed in the mile feature in 2018.

New Zealander Marcus Armstrong (19) heads back to his favourite race circuit this weekend aiming to capitalise on the exceptional form he showed last weekend.

The Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams and EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls locked horns in the Sal’s NBL Showdown at Trusts Arena on Wednesday night.