Fortuna 3yo, HIGHLY LIKELY, close up 5th on debut Hawera 26th May

Very cold conditions were the order of the day at the Egmont Racing Club meeting at Hawera on Monday. On hand were Fortuna’s John and Jessica Galvin to watch the Fortuna 3yo, HIGHLY LIKELY (High Chaparral-Starrinka), make his race day debut. A strong trials winning performance at the recent Waipa trials, HIGHLY LIKELY, nicknamed GRINGO by his handlers, had lifted aspirations for a strong showing over the 1600 metre trip. Track conditions at a Heavy 10, although sticky, suited the horse nicely as, so far, he had shown to be a dour, staying type.

HIGHLY LIKELY - February 2014
HIGHLY LIKELY – February 2014

Presenting in the birdcage beautifully, he certainly showed all of the physical characteristics of a stayer; long, lean, with a rib or two showing. Sent out favourite by the punters, he jumped nicely from an outside barrier before rider, Matt Cameron eased him back to settle in behind the leaders. He came under pressure from his rider before the 600 metre mark as they quickened, and was carted very wide on the turn, but once balanced in the straight, he continued to stay on strongly, finishing a close up 5th, just over one length from the winner.  While not a perfect result, he did have some bad luck in the run and Fortuna Syndicate Manager, John Galvin and Trainer, Jason Bridgman, were more than happy with his showing. ” HIGHLY LIKELY is shaping up as a genuine staying type,” said Bridgman,” the further he goes, the better he will be, but is is still raw and immature; time will be his friend.”

Acquired at the 2012 South Island Yearling Sale by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna, HIGHLY LIKELY will probably step up to the 2000 mtre distance at his next outing in two to three weeks time. The Fortuna Highly Likely Syndicate is made up of twenty five individual Members.

John and Jessica Galvin - Hawera Races 26th May 2014
John and Jessica Galvin – Hawera Races 26th May 2014