fortunanz

Trident powers his way to a strong win in Singapore 6th January 2024

Published 7 January 2024

TRIDENT is back!!! – the 5yo Gelding by Deep Field out of Miss Fi, resuming after 6 months away from the racetrack while undergoing rehabilitation from an injury, showed his ability once again when powering to a strong win in the Class 4 1200m Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racetrack 6th January. Ridden by the up and coming Te Akau Racing Stable Apprentice, Sarwi Jamil, Trident made good use of his nice barrier draw, tracking along in behind the leaders who were setting a solid pace. Full of running as they turned for home, it looked like Trident might run into traffic problems, but Jamil was patient, allowing a runner to go past him on the outside, before switching off heels, getting his mount balanced and then mounting a powerful finishing run from the 300m mark, gathering in the leaders and going to the line with a half length margin in a time of 1.11.26 and paying $6.50 to win on the NZ TAB

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer, Donna Logan, was very happy after the race “It’s just great when a quality horse like Trident can produce a quality run like that, aided by a high quality ride by young Jamil, who has really hit his straps as a rider these past few months. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing Team – they have a lovely horse on their hands with this one”

Trident – 4th Singapore win 7th January 2024

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, who was watching the race from his Hamilton home was very content with the victory ” Trident has been away from the track for quite a while, but had trialed well leading into this race and so there was a degree of confidence that he could run well, but in the end he ran just super. Congrats to Donna and all of the training team for the patient way they have handled Trident’s rehab and preparation for this race ”

Sarwi Jamil, all smiles, returns to scale aboard TRIDENT

TRIDENT, bred by Mrs H G & W G Bax & JML Bloodstock Ltd, was offered for sale at the 2020 Karaka Book One Sale by Blandford Lodge and was acquired by Davis Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $70,000 – initially prepared in NZ by Jamie Richards, and with the racename POLARIS, he had three starts in the Spring of 2021 for a 3rd and two 4ths – believing that he would be a 3yo who would benefit from a bit more maturity and development, Jamie recommended that his Ownership Group should consider relocating him to Singapore for his future racing career, a recommendation that was taken up by the majority of his ownership group. Trident has now had fourteen Singapore starts for four wins, three 2nds and has earned over S$185,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Friday Flash – 6th January 2024

Published 5 January 2024

Headline News

BELLATRIX STAR brilliant in Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – New Year’s Day

John heads to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – 8th to 13th January

Just a few share left in “Kylie” – our Contributor 2yo Filly – don’t miss this one

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Fortuna has three runners in Singapore on Saturday

Saturday – Singapore

TRIDENT contests the Class 4 1200m Poly – Race 10 @4.30 Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by the in form Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3ks, from a good barrier – this classy galloper is a three time winner in Singapore but is resuming off a long break due to rehab from a minor setback – all of his 3 wins have come at 1400m, but goes into this fresh and with good trial form. Gets 3kgs off his back and can feature in the top 3 from his good draw

Here is what the STC Tipsters think about this race

1st Pick: LUCKY BABY (1)

Was restless in the barriers before the jump last start and will look to settle off the hot speed and wait to pounce. They will go quick here, and he is in the position to be a danger.

2nd Pick: LAST SAMURAI (3)

He will look a winner at some point as he likes to set a cracking pace and gets the 4kg claim for K.Faiz. It’s just how long he can maintain that pace.

3rd Pick: TRIDENT (2)

Classy type who is first up after a six-month break. He was mixing it with some horses that went on to perform well last season. He should be nice and fresh for this.

4th Pick: PACIFIC VICTORY (9)

Drawn out wide which isn’t ideal but will carry no weight for Iskandar and his last two runs have been very strong. Improving type.

KING ARTHUR runs in the Group 3 New Years Cup 1200m Poly – Race 11 at 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) with regular rider, Fadzli Yusoff in the saddle from the Ace draw – a nine time winner in Singapore and has great stats this trip and surface. Has to lug a big weight but has trialed well recently and is ready for this – can feature in the finish

ELLIOT NESS contests the Class 4 1100m Poly – Race 12 @5.30 Singapore time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Ibrahim, claiming 3ks, from a good barrier, but does need a scratching to get a start – a three time winner in Singapore and the track record holder this trip and surface. Was freshened after running 2nd this grade and trip 28th October and trialed strongly for a 2 length win 28th Dec – can take this out if he gets a start

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Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 2nd Jan

Leaderboard (R Sheehan) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.17.9, final 600 in 38.2.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 30th December

RHETT BUTLER (IBRAHIM)1000/600- 40; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-38; TRIDENT (YUSOFF)1000/600-38;

Tuesday 2nd Jan

KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)800/600-38.5;

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OTHER NEWSBELLATRIX STAR brilliant in Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – New Year’s Day

It would be fair to say that 2023 has been a “quiet” year for us on the Group racing success front, with our last group success being the Wellington Cup with Leaderboard at the end of January. So it was a great thrill for me, personally to witness close-up, the excitement and the joy from our large group of owners at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day when Bellatrix Star, whom we call “Ali” around the stables, storm home from the tail of the field to take out the time honoured Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Group 2 level. This was our first Group winning 2yo since the mighty Melody Belle had won the Group One Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes back in April 2017, so it had been a long time “between drinks” with our 2yo’s

See our website story below;

BELLATRIX STAR salutes New Years Day in style with a classy last to first Victory in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Pukekohe Park

Published 2 January 2024

Fortuna Racing filly Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) thrust herself forward as genuine Karaka Million contender when winning an exciting rendition of the $225,000 Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on 1 January at Pukekohe.

A worthy favourite when winning the first two-year-old race of the season at Wanganui, Bellatrix Star had finished third to race rival Velocious (Written Tycoon) when resuming in the 2yo 1000 metres on 11 November at Te Rapa, and second to her again in the Counties Challenge Stakes (Listed, 1100m) on 25 November at Pukekohe. Despite money coming for impressive debut winning stable-mate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible), Bellatrix Star rated a top three chance and fought out the finish with the two aforementioned. Content to settle last for leading jockey Warren Kennedy, on the bridle when six lengths astern at the 600m and still at the rear of the field on turning for home, Bellatrix Star picked up nicely to angle clear at the 300m, quickened to level 150m out, and sustained her run to the outside of Move To Strike (second) and Velocious (third).

Click HERE to see the race replay

“She settled beautifully in the run, quickened smartly, picked up the other two really quickly, and she’s a better filly held up for longer and to pounce late,” rider Warren Kennedy said.

Bellatrix Star ran 1200 metres in 1:11.0, last 600m in 33.8 (approx.), and paid $10.70 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – Warren Kennedy aboard

“Warren (Kennedy) got her to relax really nicely,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She didn’t have all favours last start and showed today that by riding her further back, and off the speed, that she had a really good turn of foot. She’s peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions, and that’s always been her target.”

Searching for their eighth consecutive victory, Te Akau Racing currently has six in the field of 14 for the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 27 January at Ellerslie.

Owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, she was purchased for $80,000 by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and now won two of four starts and $167,700 prize money.

Accepting the Winners Trophy in front of a large crew of widly excited Syndicate Members, John Galvin said, “It’s a great thrill for everyone in the syndicate to win this race. Thank you to Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) for their training efforts. Mark and David (Ellis) picked this filly out for us at the Karaka sale after I had tasked them with finding me the type of Filly that could be a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. This is the first Group winning two-year-old we’ have had since Melody Belle. We only paid $80,000 for her, she won on debut, hasn’t been disgraced in her last two starts, and to win a Group Two at her fourth race day start is extremely valuable for her future. It was a lovely ride by Warren (Kennedy), very important black type for the filly and whatever she does from here on in, they can never take this victory away.”

“Also, I’d like to congratulate Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their initiatives and the way they’ve managed the race day process over the last eighteen months with Ellerslie undergoing reconstruction and we look forward to getting back to racing this month at Ellerslie.

Winning connections post race

The Sire of Bellatrix Star, Star Witness (Starcraft) was a dominant winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) down the straight at Flemington, before becoming a successful sprint sire in Australia. Grand-sire of the filly, Starcraft (Soviet Star) is well known in New Zealand, winning two legs of the Group One Triple Crown at Hawkes Bay. He won Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and became a World Champion Turf Miler.

Dam Alana’s Party is by Australian Champion Sire and leading broodmare sire Exceed and Excel (Danehill), who made a name for himself over two decades of world racing and breeding – just an extraordinary sire whose winners include over 370 stakes winners, including 17 individual Group One winners.

Grand-dam The Party Stand, by Stradbroke (Gr. 1, 1400m) winner Thorn Park (Spinning World), was an impressive winner from 1200m – 2000m, best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

“The Eclipse Stakes is a very valuable race for a filly to win and congratulations to everyone in the Fortuna syndicate,” Te Akau Supremo David Ellis said. “John Galvin has been a great supporter of Te Akau Racing for more than 20 years, he has introduced so many new people into Racing Ownership through his Syndication model and it is a pleasure for me to be able to select a filly of this class for Fortuna Racing. It’s a rarity to find a Filly for sale out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. Bellatrix Star has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level, and now she’s joined them.”

Bellatrix Star is raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 69 individuals from all parts of New Zealand and one from Australia with 13 of them being first time investors in a Fortuna Syndicate

Bellatrix Star was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

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John heads to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – 9th to 13th January

Well here we go again with the high-powered Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale kicking off what will be a series of high profile sales over the next three months. I am heading off on Monday the 8th, David, Mark and Marcus Corban have already drawn up shortlist and they will be conducting inspections commencing today, I will be joining up with them on the 8th to inspect the half dozen or so that Mark and David would have identified as good prospects for Fortuna. Once again we will be targeting a nicely bred, athletic Filly. Interesting to note that while we haven’t bought a lot of horses over the years from the Gold Coast Yearling sales, everyone of them that we have bought, that has been to the races, has been a winner.

Young Joshua Galvin, aged 8, has put his hand up to be my “apprentice” this year

Watch this space for sales update !!!

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Just a few share left in “Kylie” – our Contributor 2yo Filly – don’t miss this one

The stable are really pleased with how our Ready to Run purchase ,the two-year-old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade is handling her initial stable preparation. Mark says “John, your Contributor Filly is really pleasing us, a big strong, powerful type. She is handling everything well at the stables is eating well and her track writers report that she has a lovely smooth galloping action. She is right on track to have a jump out in early February and then head to the Tauranga trials on the 13th of February”

Click HERE to see her at trot ups on Wednesday morning with voiceover from Mark

The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

Click HERE to read all details about her on our website – orders can be made direct from this link as well

$1284 for each 1% share and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Feb – please make contact with John if you need more information or assistance with ordering

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Gary maintained his good recent form tipping out 4 winners for us on New Year’s Day – Gary also has a share in BELLATRIX STAR (“ALI”) – so his cup runneth over for the day well and truly

Here is what he has to say about this weekend’s racing;

Hi John and Team Fortuna

Well it’s a step down from the Group1/2 Racing stage of recent weeks where Bellatrix Star and the top jockeys were shining lights, but racing continues and there are profits to be made !

First week of the new year and already I have broken one promise …..ie Never tip maidens !

Ruakaka races by the sea on Friday and 2 of my Black Bookers are in Race 6…..All Shook Up and Arjay’s Flight are both quoted at $5.50 to win and possibly will dominate the finish.

Before that….Race 4 …..Lady Moana [$4.50 win ] and Race 5…..There Goes My Hero [$3 Win] look strong chances.

As do Race 7…...Mad Max [$2.70] and Race 8 …..Arabian Songbird [ $4 Win ]. You will notice there is a Warren Kennedy bias here…..Funny that !!!

Kumara has it’s Iconic Nuggets meeting on Saturday , it’s day in the ‘sun’ !

Race 1 a maiden Bona Fide [$8 / $3] should relish the tight track.

Race 3…..O’Jessica [$11/$3] another who should be on the pace.

Race 5 ….Zlato [ $3 Win] looks the likely winner.

Race 7 ….The Buffer [ $3 Win] should repeat last years Nuggets win

Race 8…..Bad Flamingo [$15/$5] Despised roughie cos of Northern Opposition but could catch them napping if he leads.

Hawkes Bay also races……

Race 3 …Charmario [ $5 /$2 ] has been tipped previous. Previous picks Waitak and Novak have won stylishly in recent days ,I should modestly add !

Race 4 ….Psyclone [$12 / $4] my roughie of day and one to follow !

Race 7……Roccia [ $6 /$2] better placed and weighted this week.

Race 8……Ravenna Rose [ $9 /$3] , like all above a strong Eachway/ Top4 chance.

Good Luck everyone, pace yourself cos more Group Racing greets us in a few weeks .

Best wishes ,

Gary Williams

BELLATRIX STAR salutes New Years Day in style with a classy last to first Victory in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Pukekohe Park

Published 2 January 2024

Fortuna Racing filly Bellatrix Star (2 f Star Witness – Alana’s Party, by Exceed and Excel) thrust herself forward as genuine Karaka Million contender when winning an exciting rendition of the $225,000 Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on 1 January at Pukekohe.

A worthy favourite when winning the first two-year-old race of the season at Wanganui, Bellatrix Star had finished third to race rival Velocious (Written Tycoon) when resuming in the 2yo 1000 metres on 11 November at Te Rapa, and second to her again in the Counties Challenge Stakes (Listed, 1100m) on 25 November at Pukekohe. Despite money coming for impressive debut winning stable-mate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible), Bellatrix Star rated a top three chance and fought out the finish with the two aforementioned. Content to settle last for leading jockey Warren Kennedy, on the bridle when six lengths astern at the 600m and still at the rear of the field on turning for home, Bellatrix Star picked up nicely to angle clear at the 300m, quickened to level 150m out, and sustained her run to the outside of Move To Strike (second) and Velocious (third).

Click HERE to see the race replay

“She settled beautifully in the run, quickened smartly, picked up the other two really quickly, and she’s a better filly held up for longer and to pounce late,” rider Warren Kennedy said.

Bellatrix Star ran 1200 metres in 1:11.0, last 600m in 33.8 (approx.), and paid $10.70 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – Warren Kennedy aboard

“Warren (Kennedy) got her to relax really nicely,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She didn’t have all favours last start and showed today that by riding her further back, and off the speed, that she had a really good turn of foot. She’s peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions, and that’s always been her target.”

Searching for their eighth consecutive victory, Te Akau Racing currently has six in the field of 14 for the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 27 January at Ellerslie.

Owned by Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, she was purchased for $80,000 by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin in January at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, and now won two of four starts and $167,700 prize money.

Accepting the Winners Trophy in front of a large crew of widly excited Syndicate Members, John Galvin said, “It’s a great thrill for everyone in the syndicate to win this race. Thank you to Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) for their training efforts. Mark and David (Ellis) picked this filly out for us at the Karaka sale after I had tasked them with finding me the type of Filly that could be a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. This is the first Group winning two-year-old we’ have had since Melody Belle. We only paid $80,000 for her, she won on debut, hasn’t been disgraced in her last two starts, and to win a Group Two at her fourth race day start is extremely valuable for her future. It was a lovely ride by Warren (Kennedy), very important black type for the filly and whatever she does from here on in, they can never take this victory away.”

“Also, I’d like to congratulate Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their initiatives and the way they’ve managed the race day process over the last eighteen months with Ellerslie undergoing reconstruction and we look forward to getting back to racing this month at Ellerslie.

Winning connections post race

The Sire of Bellatrix Star, Star Witness (Starcraft) was a dominant winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) down the straight at Flemington, before becoming a successful sprint sire in Australia. Grand-sire of the filly, Starcraft (Soviet Star) is well known in New Zealand, winning two legs of the Group One Triple Crown at Hawkes Bay. He won Group One races in Australia, France, and England, and became a World Champion Turf Miler.

Dam Alana’s Party is by Australian Champion Sire and leading broodmare sire Exceed and Excel (Danehill), who made a name for himself over two decades of world racing and breeding – just an extraordinary sire whose winners include over 370 stakes winners, including 17 individual Group One winners.

Grand-dam The Party Stand, by Stradbroke (Gr. 1, 1400m) winner Thorn Park (Spinning World), was an impressive winner from 1200m – 2000m, best around middle distances and included the N.Z. Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

“The Eclipse Stakes is a very valuable race for a filly to win and congratulations to everyone in the Fortuna syndicate,” Te Akau Supremo David Ellis said. “John Galvin has been a great supporter of Te Akau Racing for more than 20 years, he has introduced so many new people into Racing Ownership through his Syndication model and it is a pleasure for me to be able to select a filly of this class for Fortuna Racing. It’s a rarity to find a Filly for sale out of mares by the Champion Sire Exceed and Excel because breeders tend to keep them. Bellatrix Star has a lot of Exceed and Excel about her and from a dam line that has proved itself at the top level, and now she’s joined them.”

Bellatrix Star is raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 69 individuals from all parts of New Zealand and one from Australia with 13 of them being first time investors in a Fortuna Syndicate

Bellatrix Star was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

Friday Flash – 29th December 2023

Published 29 December 2023

Headline News

CONTRIBUTOR’S great run of success continues with his progeny firing both sides of the Tasman on Boxing Day

BOXING DAY SPECIAL STILL OPEN – Closing 31 December

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Fortuna has six runners at three different venues Saturday and New Year’s Day

Saturday – Singapore

ROCKY contests the Class 3 1800m Turf – Race 10 @4.30 Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by the in form Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3ks, from a wide barrier – Rocky is a well performed galloper who is trying this trip for the first time, but has performed well at 1700m (Polytrack) – has just 50kgs to carry and will be running on at the finish

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race

1st Pick: LIGHTNING STRIKE (1)

Racing is great form, off the back of a sharp trial win. Does need to rise to 1800m and carry more weight but is proven in class 4.

2nd Pick: RODA ROBOT (3)

Two solid wins most recently, shows early speed and should be amongst the first four. Will be one of the key contenders.

3rd Pick: SPLIT SECOND (9)

Coming out of the same race as Roda Robot. Drew awkwardly last start and went back, had some excuses. Did well in his previous run before that but has recently gone up to class 4. Will need to bounce back.

4th Pick: ROCKY (8)

Last two starts racing behind Roda Robot. Now gets onto the turf, has always been around the mark for this class and could improve.

GUN contests the Novice 1200m Turf – Race 11 at 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) with Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3ks and jumping from the Ace draw – an impressive last start winner in Maiden Grade, this beautifully bred son of Extreme Choice steps up a notch or two in grade here, meeting six other last start winners, but is more than capable of making his mark here from the inside draw and an in form 3kg claimer aboard – is a good each way chance here and may be at reasonable odds.

PRINCE LONHRO also contests the Novice 1200m Turf – Race 11 at 5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) with Singapore Champion Jockey, Manoel Nunes, riding from a mid field draw. As a Maidener still, he is well out of his grade here, but his two Singapore performances to date fos a 4th and a just beaten 2nd, after enduring a torrid 3 wide trip indicate a galloper of some quality – the booking of Nunes is a big plus – likely to be at very good odds so one for the multiples and can feature if he runs up to his best

New Years Day – Pukekohe

Two Fortuna runners today, both in different Group 2 Feature Races

BELLATRIX STAR runs in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes for 2yo’s over 1200m – race 3 @ 1.20pm with Premiership leading jockey, Warren Kennedy, to ride from Barrier 3 in a small but high quality field. A debut winner at Wanganui in September, she was freshened and had two starts since for a 3rd and a good 2nd in a Stakes race this track behind race rival Velocious. Is a quality Filly who has done nothing wrong in her three outings to date. Is right in the mix here but bookies won’t have Move To Strike or Velocious beaten, so showing the nice each way odds of $11/2.10

COURT OF APPEAL runs in the Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes for 3yo’s – race 5 @ 2.30 pm with horse leading Sydney hoop, Jason Collett to ride from Barrier 1 in an eight horse field. Still a Maiden, but her last three runs have been full of quality. She stepped up to 2000m last start at Matamata and was beaten a short head by a 4yo Gelding. Back to her own age and sex here, she meets some smart ones but is bred to run this trip and note that blinkers go on for the first time – Top 3 chance but under radar with bookies @ $14/3.50

New Years Day – Terang (Victoria)

FLEET FOOTED contests the Maiden 1000m event – Race 1 @ 1.15pm Aus Time (3.15pm NZT) and will be ridden by Tahlia Hope from an inside draw – this nicely bred 3yo son of Zoustar has disappointed us with his two starts to date, however after a brief freshen up, he trialed at Cranbourne 18th Dec and was just nutted on the line – so remedial work and gear changes may have made a difference. Meets a weaker field here – watch market

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Matamata Trackwork

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 23rd December

GUN (ASLAM)1000/600-39; ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; PRINCE LONHRO (YUSOFF)1000/600-39; ROCKY (YUSOFF)1000/600-39; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-39; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-37;

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OTHER NEWSCONTRIBUTOR’S great run of success continues with his progeny firing both sides of the Tasman

Richly deserving of Group One honours, Campionessa (6 m Contributer – Bella Carolina, by O’Reilly) won the $450,000 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1, 2050m) on Boxing Day at Pukekohe. Having resumed on the course with a big effort to win the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m) on 25 November, Campionessa was poetry in motion as she raced clear to win the Cal Isuzu Stakes (Gr. 2, 1600m) on 16 December at Te Rapa, and warranted favouritism in the time-honoured event.

Second in both the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and Bonecrusher Stakes (Gr. 1, 2050m) last season, and previously winning the Metropolitan Trophy (Listed, 2500m), Campionessa certainly laid claims to scoring at the highest level over a middle distance.

Ridden majestically by stable jockey Opie Bosson, who bagged his 95th Group One victory, Campionessa was given a lovely trip in the trail, became held in a pocket before pushing out at the 300m mark and defiantly surged clear of Randwick Metropolitan (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner No Compromise (Pins) over the concluding stages.

“He’s just too good for them,” said a punter in the stand, referring to Bosson.

Owned by Te Akau Campionessa Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$60,000 at the 2019 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud, where the sire stands.

Her 27 starts have yielded 10 wins, five seconds, three thirds, and $936,590 in prize money.

LIONS ROAR wins Group 3 Summer Cup at RandwickWith a victory in the Gr.3 Schweppes Summer Cup (2000m) at Randwick that took his career earnings past A$2 million, Lion’s Roar provided the cherry on top of a remarkable Boxing Day for Contributer.

The Mapperley Stud stallion had just five runners in action across New Zealand and Australia on Tuesday and came away with three wins including two at Group level. Lion’s Roar’s Summer Cup heroics were preceded by a brilliant Group One triumph by Campionessa in the Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Pukekohe, while promising three-year-old Fire Tribe had earlier won on the Randwick undercard.

The A$250,000 Summer Cup was a long-awaited second stakes win for Lion’s Roar, who had previously won the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) as a three-year-old in March of 2021. He had placed in five other Group races since then, including the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and two editions of the Gr.2 The Ingham (1600m), and on Tuesday he had another day in the black-type spotlight.

Of course our interest in the progeny of Contributor is because we race one of his daughters, the Stakes placed SOPRANO SUPREME, currently campaigning in Victoria and our very latest acquisition, the 2yo “Kylie” is also a daughter of this emerging Stallion

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BOXING DAY SPECIAL STILL OPEN – Closing 31 December

BOXING DAY SPECIALS – FORTUNA RACING 10% DISCOUNT

“Kylie” – the 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade

Acquired at the recent NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, this strapping Filly, who stands at 16.1 hands and tips the scales at 500kgs, drew a few “oohs and ahhs” when paraded at our Owners Day 17^th Jan. By a Stallion who is consistently throwing genuine staying types, this girl ticks a lot of boxes. In full work now she is being prepared to have her first trial middle of February and presents as a genuine 3yo Middle Distance/Staying type who may well have a race day start or two in the Autumn as a 2yo

The 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

Just 6% left – shares available down to 1% @$1240 per 1% share (less 10% Boxing Day Sale discount) = $1116 net and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Jan. Click HERE to view all details and order shares online – to claim your discount enter the words “Boxing Day Sale” in the Notes Box top right of the order page and then wait for our “Greetings” email that will provide payment details

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DAIDALOS – the 2yo Colt by Mastercraftman out of Trikala

We love the Staying types and this strapping, athletic Colt ticks more than a few boxes. By that wonderful global Sire of Middle Distance/Staying types, the late Mastercraftsman and out of a High Chaparral Mare, DAIDALOS made his debut on the All Weather Track at Wolverhampton in the UK over the Mile on 27^th December for a creditable 6th placing, handling himself well in the run and just finding the trip too short for him – he will take a lot of improvement and will have his next run late January

Acquired by us at the Tattersalls Gorebridge 2yo Breeze Up Sale in Ireland in May 2023, “Frankie”, as he is known around the stable, has been brought along quietly by Trainer, Harry Eustace, and met Harry’s expectations on debut. We have exciting plans in store for this Colt – Harry will endeavour to qualify him for the Guineas/Derbies events run during May and June of 2024 in the UK, Ireland or France, but in September/October of 2024, he will be transported down to Australia to Mark Walker’s barn at Cranbourne and be prepared for the Staying events in Victoria, of which there are so many options

DAIDALOS – the 2yo Colt by Mastercraftman out of Trikala

Just 5.5% left – shares available down to 1% @$1220 per 1% share (less 10% Boxing Day Sale discount) = $1098 net and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Jan. Click HERE to view all details and order shares online – to claim your discount enter the words “Boxing Day Sale” in the Notes Box top right of the order page and then wait for our “Greetings” email that will provide payment details

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QUEEN CONSORT – the 2yo Filly by EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA

Elegant, strong, lovely pedigree, this 2yo Filly by Eminent, out of a Mare who has already left a Group One winner (Aloysia) in Australia, has a lot going for her. She had her first trial 13th November and put in a strong finishing run – spelled for three weeks following that trial, she is back in wok and being prepared for a further trial at Tauranga 13th February. Following in the footsteps of our other Eminent filly, the 3yo Court Of Appeal, who is racing in great form at the moment, she will if anything, be ready to race a bit sooner than her and may well make her race day debut in the late Summer/early Autumn – notable that her half sister, Aloysia, won as a 2yo, ahead of winning the Group One 1000 Guineas at Caulfeld as a 3yo. Stable comments on “Queenie”are very positive

QUEEN CONSORT – the 2yo Filly by EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA

Just 4% left – shares available down to 1% @$1740 per 1% share (less 10% Boxing Day Sale discount) = $1566 net and $44 per month ongoing from 1 Feb. Click HERE to view all details and order shares online – to claim your discount enter the words “Boxing Day Sale” in the Notes Box top right of the order page and then wait for our “Greetings” email that will provide payment details

As always, if you wish to find out more about any of these offerings or need assistance with ordering just email john@fortuna-nz.com or call/text John 021 921 460

Guest Selector – Gary WilliamsGary produced a stellar performance for his followers on Boxing Day tipping out 6 winners and the very prescient comment “Opie Bosson in for a big day” – Opie of course rode 5 winners on the day.

No tips from Gary for Saturday racing but he is hard at work studying the form for New Year’s Day and we will publish his selections in our standard end of month “Stable Update” which will be published on Sunday 31st Dec

Friday Flash – 22 December 2023

Published 22 December 2023

Headline News

Fortuna Owners Day 17th December was a big success

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Fortuna has four runners at three different venues Friday and Saturday and Boxing Day

Friday – Matamata

COURT OF APPEAL steps up in trip in the Maiden 2000m event – Friday 22nd December – Race 1 @ 2.41pm with Michael McNab to ride from a wide barrier. Her last two runs at 1600m have seen two strong third placings. A big rangy Filly by Eminent out of a Zabeel Mare, she is bred to stay all day and will love this 2000m trip. Slightly tricky draw to overcome but will be rattling home closing stages and is a strong each way chance @ $5/$2

INCA BELLE contests the R65 1400m event – Race 8 @ 6.53 pm and will be ridden by the in form Niranjan Parmar from barrier 4 – good 2^nd on resuming and then only battled 2^nd up – Is a very capable galloper and can feature in the finish here @ $10/$3.30

Saturday – Trentham

LEADERBOARD contests the Group 3 Manawatu Cup over 2300m – race 7 @4.10pm Kozzie Osano to ride from Barrier 11 – produced a solid effort for 5^th over 2200m this course last Saturday at just his 2nd up run – on a path toward defending his 2023 Wellington Cup – loves it wet, but may not get that on Saturday – $18/$4.50

Caulfield – Boxing Day

RUBICON CROSSNG gets her first look at Caufield in the BM 70 1100m event – Race 5 @ 3.40pm Aus time with Jamie Kah to ride from a good barrier. Won impressively at her Aus debut 30th September and has finished close up without winning in 3 starts since. Very capable galloper who meets a tidy field here, but has the draw and the rider to assist. Can run into the money here if at her best on the day

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Matamata Trackwork

Tuesday 19th December

Court Of Appeal (O Bosson) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.21.0, final 600 in 38.1.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 16^th December

RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-38.5; TRIDENT (AWAH)1000/600-38.5; ELLIOT NESS (ASLAM)1000/600-38.5; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-39;

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OTHER NEWS

Fortuna Owners Day 17th December was a big successApproximately 80 Fortuna clients attended the annual Owners day held at Matamata racecourse December 17. The weather was balmy and Trainer Mark Walker was in attendance. After welcoming attendees, we showed a video clip of the closing stages of the 23 individual wins recorded by Fortuna runners over the last 12 months and that brought back a lot of memories for attendees – Leaderboard’s Wellington Cup victory drew a particularly big cheer from the attendees. Our most successful horse during the year was the Singapore based 4yo, KNIPPENBERG, who won 4 times from 12 starts

John presented a Winning Owners award, a copy of Aidan Rodley’s very good book on the history of group one winners in New Zealand racing over the last 40 years “Elite” – this was presented to Ian and Sandra Upson, who accumulated 20 wins throughout the year from 11 individual horses.

Notable that the Upsons, who have been clients of Fortuna since 2012, have now accumulated 146 wins in total with Fortuna horses – a simply amazing record. Their secret of course is to take small shares (usually 2.5%) in lots of horses.

We then paraded all of the horses that were based at Matamata on the day and all paraded in great order – the Karaka Million bound 2yo Filly, BELLATRIX STAR, drew a lot of interest as did our very recent Ready To Run acquisition, the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly, “Kylie” – standing at 16.1 hands and tipping the scales at 500 kgs, she is an impressive physical type. Notable that the day before at Te Rapa, the Te Akau trained race mare CAMPIONESSA (also by Contributor) had coninued her rich vein of from when taking out the Group 2 Cal Izuzu Stakes

“Kylie” – the 2yo Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Here is what Gary says this week

Hi John and Team

Last week somewhat spoiled by scratchings but I was stunned when Impressa went clear at the top of straight only to be swallowed up by 3 horses close to the post. I was in the collect queue ! Maybe Boxing day redemption there !

Back at Trentham this week and I see jockey Michael McNab having a good day ending on a winning note when the big grey Colorado Silver [ $4/ $2 ] storms down the outside to win race 8.

Earlier in Race3 Charmario [ $11 /$4 ] Race 4 Let’s Get Loose [ $13 /$4 ] and Race 5 Llanacord [ $12 / $4 ] represent good chances at odds.

Race 6 Belclare [ $9 / $3 ] on her day is up to the best mares.

Whatever happens previous count on Colorado Silver to bring Christmas Cheer.

At Te Rapa Race1 Arjays Flight [ $3 win] is at skinny odds but surely this is his turn. He has won once but has 8 seconds and raced in far stronger fields !

Race 3 Suzuka [$10 / $3 ] is very fast and I expect he may run them off their feet !

Race 4 Kiwi Man [ $6 / $3] looks well placed to run on speed and grind them down over 2400m.

Boxing Day fields look very interesting and already I have a couple of ‘money makers’ sorted out, maybe ‘Fortuna John’ will agree to a special edition of treats !

Have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Gary

Friday Flash – 15th December 2023

Published 15 December 2023

Headline News

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^thJanuary

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Fortuna has four runners Friday and Saturday – one at Tauranga Friday and three at Trentham Saturday including one in a Stakes Race

Friday – Tauranga

HAYATE steps up in trip in the R65 1600 event – Friday15^th December – Race 9 @ 6.32pm with Opie Bosson to ride from a wide barrier. Two runs at 1400m since resuming have seen two thirds, the second one a head bobbing finish. Looking for the Mile and is right in this as a strong each way chance. Market @ $5.50/$2.10

Saturday – Trentham

DANCARINA contests the R75 1300m event – race 2 @1.45pm with Joe Kamaruddin to ride from Barrier 4. Disappointed last 2 starts at Riccarton but both were on very firm tracks – prior form was very good – will get softer track conditions here and if back to her best, can feature in the finish here. Market has her @ $7.50/$2.40

LEADERBOARD races in the R83 2200m event – Race 5 @ 3.35pm and will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin. Resuming run at Otaki 1600m recently was a nice pipe opener for him – his work during the week was very strong and so is ready for this trip. Previous runs at Trentham have seen him collect two big scalps with the St Leger and the Wellington Cup – loves it wet and Metservice forecast for Saturday says “Rain becoming persistent in the morning” – May be a tad short for him, but can certainly feature in the finish here @$8.50/$2.80

VIVACIOUS takes a big step forward into Stakes Company at just her 3^rd race day start when she contests the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes over 1600m – Race 7 @ 4.45pm, with Jonathan Parkes to ride from Barrier 11. This talented daughter of Dundeel impressed observers with how she won at 1400m at Te Aroha recently – meets a handy field here with good form but seems to have the class to cope . Market is keeping her safe as equal fave with the well performed Chantilly Lace @ $5/$2

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Matamata Trackwork
Vivacious (S Weatherley) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.8, home in 36.7.

Leaderboard (J Kamaruddin) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.18.2, last 600 in 38.6.

Hayate (N Parmar) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.23.1, last 600 in 37.9.

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 9^th December

ELLIOT NESS (AWAH)800/600-40; KING ARTHUR (YUSFOFF)1000/600-37.5;

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OTHER NEWS

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14^th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.

New Zealand’s premier thoroughbred racecourse has been undergoing a gradual ‘return to racing’ testing plan in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) over the past month of which today was the final phase.

Monday, 11 December (today) saw trials take place at Ellerslie with 60 horses galloping on the surface across 12 heats. Senior jockeys, Opie Bosson, Craig Grylls and Joe Doyle were oncourse for the first time since the development.

“It’s a really quality track that was so needed here,” commented Joe Doyle.“It rides brilliantly and the horses stay so balanced. It’s really good, I like it.”

Opie Bosson also had very favourable things to say about the track commenting, “It feels beautiful. Nice and smooth and it’s a privilege to ride on it. There’s not one fault in the track at all and I’m looking forward to getting back here in January.”

NZTR’s Head of Licensing and Stakeholder Engagement, Matthew Williamson, was also oncourse gathering feedback from a range of stakeholders. “It’s an incredible, incredible surface. I can’t speak highly enough of it. It’s been long awaited here in New Zealand and that $50million that’s been put into it has been well spent for the industry. Comments from Michael McNab were extremely favourable and comments from the RIB stewards were that it’s a consistent and brilliant surface. Given our tracks around the country can, from time to time, be challenging, the comment was that stakeholders will know exactly what they are riding out on to here at Ellerslie. As far as the track surface goes, feedback has been favourable from absolutely everybody and as far as NZTR is concerned, we’ll go through our process but the sign off today is very favourable.”

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Officer Paul Wilcox says, “To say we are delighted is an understatement. This moment has been much anticipated by not only us here at ATR, but by the entire industry and I’m thrilled at the feedback we’ve received.We’re grateful to the support afforded to us by the senior jockeys, trainers and owners who’ve helped us with the all-important testing process and I know I’m not the only one who says they cannot wait to get back racing here in January.”

With the testing now complete, racing will commence at Ellerslie Racecourse on Sunday, 14 January with Summer Raceday ahead of the highly popular TAB Karaka Millions on Saturday, 27 January.

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Owners Day – 17^th December

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Its not too late to register for the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Well Gary certainly delivered for us last week with four winners from eight selections at Pukekohe – Here is what he says this week

Hi John and Team

I was pleased with my efforts last week, tipping Craig Grylls was certainly prudent, I just not getting my longer odds fancies up !

This week there is interest in both Northern meetings , and Wellington just may get some rain on the day..Leaderboard connections are praying !

Trentham fields are small but tricky and I’m looking for Johnathon Parkes and Katie Hercock to be prominent in many finishes.

My two standout horses are Race 4…..Za’faran [$8.50 / $3 ] been freshened and back to 1600m but is a talented horse eyeing up Cup races and should be ready. Race 10…..Conway O’Ceirin [$5 / $2] a good way to end the day !

Waikato Christmas Goodies…..

Race 3 …Hayley [$13/$ 4] Due for some luck .
Race 4….Aris Aris [$ 6/ $2] Best of a bevy of Tangerine.
Race 5….Academy Award [$4 /$2] has the draw and track to feature.
Race 7….Novak [ $12/$4 ] should be @ $30/1 ,too bad to be true last start but went via the Cape on turn.
Race 8….Aromatic [ $3 win]….Max your bet then double it !
Race 9….Impresa [ $6 / $2 ] Skinny odds in a tough field but sure to be in the fight throughout…is gutsy !
Good luck leading into the Festive Season !

Gary

KNIPPENBERG delivers a classy win at Kranji Racecourse 9th December, his 4th career win in Singapore

Published 10 December 2023

KNIPPENBERG, the four year old gelding by I Am Invincible out of Red Fez, capped off a great days racing for the New Zealand based Fortuna Racing Team when defeating a strong field in the Class 3 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Saturday 9th December. Fortuna Racing had four runners on the day, with KNIPPENBERG being the last of them to make an appearance. Earlier in the day, PRINCE LONHRO had run a close up 2nd after enduring a three wide trip without cover in race 2, the 3yo GUN had produced a strong debut winning effort at his 3rd Singapore start in Race 4 and the durable ROCKY, already a three time winner in Singapore, had run a creditable 5th in Race 6th.

Race 10 saw KNIPPENBERG face the starter and with a last minute rider change, as Fadzli Yusoff who had been engaged had been dislodged from PRINCE LONHRO after passing the winning post Race 2 – relatively unscathed, he had nevertheless, been stood down from the rest of his riding engagements. Fortuitously, the up and comin g TH Koh, was available to take the ride on KNIPPENBERG

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching from his home in New Zealand and already having enjoyed winning success ealier in the evening with the smart 3yo GUN, felt that his cup was truly “runneth over” “Boy, that was a great watch – KNIPPENBERG deserved that after being very unlucky in his recent runs – it was a quality field, but his record at this trip on the Long Course is exceptional – he went out at decent odds of 10 -1 but I always thought he just needed luck to be competitive and so it proved. Well done to TH Koh, who came off the bench to ride the horse and congrats to Donna Logan and her team for delivering a double victory on the day for us. It was great to see our Singapore and Malaysian based owners, Fiona Goh, TH and Gina Ng and Iain and Shawn Leishman, on course to celebrate this fine victory”

Knippenberg – Making it 4 wins in Singapore – Kranji 9th December 2023

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, who had enjoyed double success on the day, was overjoyed “Gee, this horse deserved that – he has had rotten luck his last two starts, but is all class and bounced back in fine style today. Lovely ride by TH Koh and huge congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team – they have been supporting racing in Singapore since 2010 and deserve every success they can get.”

A content TH KOH returns to scale after riding Knippenberg to his 4th Singapore win

KNIPPENBERG had originally raced in Australia for his breeders Phoenix Thoroughbreds and been trained for them by the Ciaren Maher/David Eustace team. Showing just moderate form from two race day starts, his owners decided to offer him for sale at the Inglis Digital Sale (June 2022) – he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500 and sent to Singapore to race. John was assisted in his selection process by Mark Walker, the former Singapore based Trainer for Te Akau Racing and now leading Trainer for them in NZ

Knippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia – he has now won four times and had five minor placings from 12 race day starts and has accumulated over S$188k in stakes monies

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider TH Koh after the race

GUN blows them away with debut win in Singapore

Published 9 December 2023

Fortuna Racing’s three year old gelding GUN (Extreme Choice-Murtle Turtle) produced a strong winning effort at just his 3rd Singapore start when taking out the Open Maiden 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Saturday 9th Dec. Ridden by Te Akau Racing’s Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, GUN was away well from his good draw – Jamil was content to let October go up and take the lead and slotted in behind that runner during the run. Full of running as they turned for home, Jamil eased his mount off the rail and set about running the leader down, which he did in fine style despite trying to run in over the last 200m or so, going to the line clear by 2.5 lengths

GUN had run a strong 2nd on debut in Singapore in October on the Turf, but resented the kickback off the Polytrack when tried on that surface at his 2nd start. Back to the Turf, he showed his real ability today with a very strong win

Click HERE to see the race replay

GUN – 1st Singapore win – 9th December 2023

Trainer, Donna Logan, was very complimentary about horse and rider “Lovely strong win today by GUN, he failed on the Poly last start, but his work since has been very very good and I felt pre race that he was going to run well today. Beautifully handled by Jamil, who has really come of age as a young rider this year, I think GUN is going to be a very nice type going forward. Congrats to John Galvin and his big group of Fortuna Racing Owners, a couple of whom were here on course today”

Fortuna Racing Boss, John Galvin, watching the race from his home in Hamilton New Zealand, was up and out of his chair as the runners turned for home “I could see that GUN had traveled really well and all he needed to do was be strong to the line – he certainly delivered on that – he was well ridden by Jamil and it is a great result for our extensive ownership group in this horse. Well done to Donna Logan and her team – she has handled this lovely galloper very well all the way through”

Jamil is a happy rider as he brings GUN back to scale

GUN was acquired by John Galvin at the March 2023 Inglis Digital Sale for A$45,000. He had originally been acquired as a yearling for A$775,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale by James Harron Bloodstock as part of a “Colts Syndicate” but after trials and two race day starts and proving to very “Colty” his ownership Group decided to move him on as he did not meet their “Stallion Making” criteria. He is raced by The Fortuna Gun Syndicate, an ownership Group comprising 44 indviduals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

And some happy connections after the race

Friday Flash – 8th December 2023

Published 8 December 2023

Headline News

Shares filling quickly in our recent Ready To Run purchase

Secondary Market shares available in three Fortuna runners

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Fortuna has five runners Friday and Saturday – two at Riccarton Friday and four in Singapore Saturday

Friday – Riccarton

SAILING AWAY – a 3yo Gelding by Merchant Navy, makes his race day debut on the Riccarton Synthetic – Friday 8^thDecember – Race 1 @ 2.47 with Lisa Allpress to ride from a good barrier. A slow maturer, his earlier trials were average but blinkers on last trial saw a better performance. Market is cautious @ $10/$3.30

ANGELS WINGS – resumes after a decent paddock spell after a winning performance Awapuni synthetic 27^th July – she is in the R65 1200 – Race 8 @ 6. 59 with Warren Kennedy aboard from a good barrier. Has raced consistently throughout her 11 race career, trialed nicely for a 3^rd placing 13^th November – has a good level of ability, loves the synthetic and is a top 3 chance here @ $4.20/$1.80

Saturday – Singapore

PRINCE LONHRO races in the Open Maiden 1200m Turf – Race 2 @ 12.30 Sing time (5.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from the outside barrier. A strong trials and solid race day performer (from 2 starts) in NZ before heading to Singapore, he made his debut there 1100m Poly 25^th Nov, was severely check at the start in a race that was run very quickly, but was strong to the line for 4^th placing – a classy type, he will appreciate the Turf and can run into the money here, but will need some luck from the draw.

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race

1st Pick: ROYAL COMMISSION (8)
Last years dominant combination of Nunes and Fitzsimmons rejoin forces here for the first time in quite a while. Trialed nicely in moderate time showing a good turn of foot recently and finds a nice race here.
2nd Pick: STAR NORTH (3)
Should improve second up with blinkers on that he wore to a fifth placing trial recently. His maiden form earlier in the year is very strong and looks a key player.
3rd Pick: JULY (11)
Draws well down in the weights and is first up since August with three trials under the belt for our leading stable. Should get plenty of market support.
4th Pick: PRINCE LONHRO (1)
Severely checked after the start in a race where the leaders clocked a very quick 23.30 which is absolutely flying. He was off the bit the whole way and hit the line well. Will need luck from a wide draw.

GUN contests the Open Maiden 1200 Turf – Race 4 @ Race 4 @ 1.30 Sing time (6.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice S Jamil, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier draw. A solid 2^nd placing on debut behind a talented galloper was followed by a disappointing result when tried on the Poly. Back on the Turf, lovely draw, carries 51.5kgs with the claim – is right in this and can win

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race

1st Pick: GUN (5)
He will carry next to no weight after the claim for Jamil as he looked to resent the kick back on the Polytrack last start. His last start on the turf was strong behind a very good horse in Kungfu Hero.
2nd Pick: SURFING CLOUD (8)
On the quick backup after having no luck down the straight being held up for the better part of the last 300m. If he handles the backup and finds clear ground can go well.
3rd Pick: LIM’S SARAMATI (1)
Gets the blinkers added for the first time for the strong Meagher and Lerner combination who are striking at 23.1% from their last 39 runners. Should show plenty of improvement.
4th Pick: OCTOBER (6)
Comes out of the same race Gun competed in back in October finishing third. Caught the eye winning a trial in 60.27 and should be there in the finish.

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1600m Turf – Race 6 @ 2.30 Sing time (7.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jamil, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier. A three time winner in Singapore, he has raced mainly on the Poly but has run well this trip and surface when tried. Appreciates being ridden patiently and with the right run can feature here

KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 3 1200m Turf – Race 10 @ 4.30 Sing time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from a good barrier. Luck deserted him in a big way his last two starts, but his nine previous starts had brought him 3 wins and 3 seconds, with all three of his wins coming on the Turf (Long course) and the 1200m trip. Gets the long course here again, has a dream draw and carries just 53kgs. Does meet a very strong field here, but represents a good top 3 chance

Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race

1st Pick: CITY GOLD STAR (4)
Nunes has ridden a few of the fancies in their recent starts and throws his leg over this David Kok trained runner who was a winner two starts back beating Dream Alliance who finished second in the Gold Cup. Draw not the best but can present here.
2nd Pick: KNIPPENBERG (8)
His career best performances have all come at this distance on the Long Course. Gets the advantage of a nice barrier to position up early and can bounce back in a big way here.
3rd Pick: ASIF (2)
Racing in very nice form over his last five starts that have recorded two wins and two placings. After Seows claim he will carry 54.5kgs. Scratched at his most recent start where he was a key chance.
4th Pick: MT NISEKO (13)
Eligible for class four off a rating of 67 but being thrown in here up in class but down in weight could be a smart move from the trainer. Will need to dig deep to win but has some favors.

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Matamata Trackwork

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Singapore Trackwork

Saturday 2nd December

TRIDENT (AWAH)1000/600-39; RHETT BUTLER (IBRHIM)1000/600-39; 38; GUN (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; KINPPENBERG (ALSM)1000/600-38; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)800/600-38.5; ROCKY (YUSOFF)1000/600-38; PRINCE LONHRO (YUSOFF)1000/600-37;

Tuesday 5th December

KNIPPENBERG (AWAH)800/600-40; GUN (YUSOFF)800/600-40;

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OTHER NEWS

Shares filling quickly in our 2023 Ready To Run purchase – the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly – $1240 for each 1% share – just 18% left!!!

The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – Stable Name “Kylie”
Middle Distance/Staying type

Lot 295– the Two Year Old Filly by the proven Stallion CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By Street Sense) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Mark Walker, when doing his usual pre sale Video clip inspections, had identified this Filly as a “genuine middle distance/staying type”

The Contributor – Victory Parade Two Year Old Filly – “Kylie”

Pedigree
This Filly, who has been given the stable name “Kylie” is the beneficiary of a strong pedigree. Her Sire, Contributor was a top class racehorse in the UK and Australia, winning 8 times from 18 starts, at trips from 1400 to 2000m – he won four times at Group level, including two Group One victories in Australia. He is the Sire of 121 runners, of which 84 are winners, including 8 Stakes winners.

“Kylie’s” Dam is Victory Parade, a daughter of Street Sense. She won twice in Australia and is the dam of one foal to race, Smokeshow, who has won three trials and run 2^nd in each of his two raceday starts – Click HERE to view pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, standing at 16.1 hands high and tipping the scales at 500kgs, she is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a strong athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had asked David Ellis and Mark Walker to select a staying type Two Year Old Filly out of this sale – one with a strong pedigree page but which also met our criteria for type. Their inspections threw up two or three that met the overall criteria, but this Filly was their preferred option and we were lucky enough to secure her below our budget. Contributor is fashioning a great record as a Sire of staying types and this Filly really does fit the bill. Standing over 16 hands high and weighing 500kgs, she is a great physical specimen.”

”Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type, this Filly really caught my eye when David Ellis and I conducted our inspections – a lovely moving Filly of good size, her breeze up gallop demonstrated a strong powerful action – she paraded very well at inspections and has the physical characteristics to develop into a lovely staying type as a Three Year Old and beyond”

Click HERE to see her Breeze Up Gallop

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“We thought this Filly by Contributor was a beautiful moving Filly with a lot of class – she presented as a good strong, very sound type and we were thrilled to buy her for what I thought was great value for money”

Ongoing Preparation
“Kylie” is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of prepared for racing at Matamata by Ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker in conjunction with co-Trainer, Sam Bergerson of Te Akau Racing Stables – this preparation will commence around 12^th December and will include jumpouts and trials in the late summer/autumn of 2024 – during this initial preparation Mark and Sam will be constantly assessing her and will make a decision whether she can make her race day debut as an Autumn 2yo or whether she can be put aside until her 3yo season, which commences 1 August 2024

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $12,400– 5% share $6,200 – 2.5% share $3,100 – 1% share $1,240

Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance through to 31st January 2025, and Working Capital of over $8,000

Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st January 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Shares can be ordered online at the link HERE – email john@fortuna-nz.com if you require info or assistance

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Secondary Market shares available in three Fortuna runners

Due to a change in health and financial circumstances, a long standing Fortuna client has decided to offer the shares she has in three horses

They are as follows

Malborough Bay – the 4yo Gelding by Darci Brahma out of Spin ‘N Grin. This well bred gelding won on debut at Matamata as a late Autumn 2yo, was Stakes placed as a 3yo, raced well without luck at times during his 3yo year and then won again as a 4yo in early August – is now coming to the end of a paddock spell and is returning to work this week. He has fashioned a race day record of 16 starts for 2 wins and 10 other top five finishes – a 5% share is available for $1500 and ongoing costs of $180 per month from 1 January

Ragamuffin – the 5yo Gelding by Belardo out of Short Tale – has had 16 starts for 2 wins as a three year old – had time away from the track as a Spring 4yo due to some leg surgery – resumed racing in the Autumn of 2023 filling minor placings at times – is now coming to the end of a paddock spell and is returning to work soon – a 5% share is available for $1500 and ongoing costs of $200 per month from 1 January

Mitre Peak – the 3yo Filly by More Than Ready out of Liten Princessa – she has trialed nicely and made her race day debut at New Plymouth 7^th December, finishing unplaced – a 2.5% share is available for $100 and ongoing costs of $100 per month from 1 January

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Date Change for our Owners Day – now 17^th December

Please note we have had a change of date for our Owners Day – originally set for Sunday 10th Dec, some NZTR programming changes have seen the Rotorua meeting scheduled for the 6th Dec moved to the 10th – Mark and Sam have a big team going, so this means staffing for our Owners Day becomes impossible, hence the date change – see revised details below

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Yes it’s that time of the year again – the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com

If you have registered for the 10th already, can you please reconfirm with Jessica that you can still make it on the 17th

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Guest Selector – Gary Williams

Here is what Gary says this week

Hi John and Team

The weather up North seems on the improve unsure about Wellington though both venues have some interesting races.

At Wellington I spot a tasty treat in Race 9…..Hasstobeperfect [ $11 / $4 ]….looks ready to fire !

At Pukekohe I’ve a list of black bookers to follow from seein them in flesh of late !

Race 1….Uderzo [ $3 win] looks well placed.

Race 2…Mosinvador [ $9 / $3 ] Yes a maiden but meets weak field IMO.

Race 3…Wallen [ $2 ] Another maiden but a standout IMO

Race 4…Terra Mitica [ $5 /$2] ex UK horse looks well placed in this.

Race 5 ……Ka Ying Lucky [ $12 / $4 ] Eachway allday !

Race 7……Trust in You [ $5 /$2] looks the winner here with Pick of the Litter [ $4 place ] a great Top 4 chance as well. Both finish their races off strongly.

Race 8…..Flamebird [ $4 /$2 ] Much went wrong last time and should help Craig Grylls have a great day.

Race 9….Kaidu’s Pride [ $18 / $18 / $6] Has only seen the outside fence in past few races and with lightweight and better ride could provide a lot of Christmas cheer ! Has ability this horse….look out !

Good luck,

Gary

Friday Flash – 1st December 2023

Published 1 December 2023

Headline News

Fortuna 3yo Filly VIVACIOUS breaks Maidens at Te Aroha 29^th November in a classy performance – will now head to the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes at Trentham 16^th December

Date Change for our Owners Day – now 17^th December

Shares filling quickly in our recent Ready To Run purchase

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Fortuna has 3 runners in two jurisdictions Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Mornington – Victoria – Friday 1^st December

BEAU GESTE contests the BM 58 2400m event at Mornington – Race 6 @6.10pm NZT and will be ridden by Liam Riordan from a mid field barrier. Has not been disgraced in his two Aus starts to date in higher rated company than what he meets today. Some rain about which he will appreciate – he is back in trip here however. Will find this a tad easier and is a chance of running into the money at odds of $21/$5

Wanganui – Saturday 2^nd

INCA BELLE races in the R65 1200m event – Race 2 @ 12.40 pm with Jonathan Parkes to ride from a mid field barrier – just missed when resuming this grade and trip Te Rapa 11^th November – strung three wins in a row this time last year – good each way chance here at $4.80/$2

Warrnambool – Sunday 3^rd – Jericho Cup Day

RUBICON CROSSING contests the BM 70 1000m – Race 7 @ 6.10pm NZT – has run two strong races this trip and grade at The Valley last two starts after a dominant winning performance on her Aus debut at Mornington 30^th September – will find this a bit easier and could be hard to beat – no odds yet but described by bookmaker Neds as “Leading contender”

(Note by the way that the Te Akau 5yo Prismatic, last seen running 5th in the NZ Cup, is 4th fave for the Jericho Cup – race 8 on Sunday)

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Matamata Trackwork

Inca Belle (T Melvin) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.6, home in 37.2.

Singapore Trackwork

Friday 24^th November
GUN (RONNIE STEWART)1000/600-39.9;

Saturday 25^th November
KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38.2; RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-41.5;

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OTHER NEWS

VIVACIOUS breaks Maidens at Te Aroha 29^th November in a classy performance – will head to the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes at Trentham 16^th December – see Fortuna website story below

Fortuna Racing’s Three Year Old Filly, VIVACIOUS, records her Maiden win – Te Aroha 29th November

VIVACIOUS (3yo Filly Dundeel – Vivi Veloce, by More Than Ready) broke through at her second start in the $25,000 J Swap Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 29 November at Te Aroha. After drawing clear to win easily at the trials on 10 October at Matamata, VIVACIOUS found the line for third when debuting in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 3 November at Te Aroha, and took the necessary improvement to prevail in good fashion at her second race day outing. Ridden positively from an awkward draw (9) by Opie Bosson, she slotted into a trailing position at the 800m, travelled up sweetly nearing the home turn, and after changing ground a couple of times in the straight, she surged through to score.

“We got held up a little bit in the straight, but I was always confident I was going to gather in the leader and she’s a nice filly on the way up,” Bosson said. “I just rode her hands and heels over the final stages and she did it pretty easily.”

Click HERE to see the race replay

Vivacious records her 1st Win – Te Aroha 29th November 2023 – Opie Bosson aboard

On Soft5 footing, that was soon upgraded to Good4 and drew compliments from the jockeys, VIVACIOUS, who is known around the stable as “Tui”, ran 1400 metres in 1:24.0, last 600m in 35.3, and held firm in betting to pay $4.60 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

“She didn’t get all favours up the straight, but it was a nice effort to win, albeit narrowly, and Opie rode a very confident race,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “I loved the way Opie used her early to get a handy position, but then she came back to him and relaxed well and quickened up very nicely at the end of the race. We’ve thought for some time that she’s a nice staying filly in the making and the further she goes the better she’s going to get. We are eying some black type assignments for her and a very nice filly that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) picked up quite cheaply at the 2022 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.”

A quietly contented Opie Bosson, brings VIVACIOUS back to scale

Owned by the Fortuna Vivacious Syndicate (Manager John Galvin), she was purchased for $60,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing at the 2022 Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Riverrock Farm and is raced by an Ownership Group comprising 55 individuals from New Zealand and Hong Kong

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was on track along with a good number of the Ownership group to support their promising Filly. “We’ve had a frustrating run of seconds and thirds throughout November with the Fortuna runners and it’s nice to get a win with this lovely filly. And its great to get this win at Te Aroha. We need Te Aroha racecourse and it’s wonderful to be back racing here on their newly renovated track after a few hiccoughs and delays,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful race track and every horse gets its chance. A big thanks to race sponsors, Swaps, who have sponsored racing for a long, long, time and worked with the club to do the track renovation.

“It was a stylish win by VIVACIOUS today, a filly by Dundeel out of a mare by More Than Ready – that’s a lovely pedigree, picked out of the 2022 Ready to Run Sale for us by David (Ellis) and Mark (Walker) and I’m still shaking my head as to how we bought her for $60,000. She was beautifully handled by Opie (Bosson) who gave her a very positive and confident ride and Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) have done a great job with her. We have people from all over the country in the ownership group and we welcome two from Blenheim who are here while on holiday.”

VIVACIOUS is the first Fortuna Racing horse that Kailey Barrett and Ryan Luiten, from Blenheim, has been involved in and did so after seeing her sold at Karaka before going to the Fortuna website to secure a share in her.

VIVACIOUS with Strapper, Ahbi Pawar and happy connections post race

VIVACIOUS is a filly by the remarkable racehorse Dundeel (High Chaparral), who stamped himself as well above average from the day he blew his two-year-old rivals off the track on debut over 1200 metres at Ellerslie. The six time Group One winner gained titles on both sides of the Tasman: Champion 3YO and Horse of the Year in New Zealand, and Champion Middle Distance horse in Australia, he ended his racing career winning the $4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and his progeny have been highly sought after.

The dam side of pedigree is particularly rich. Incredibly, world renowned dam-sire, the late More Than Ready (Southern Halo) has sired over 4300 winners including 290 stakes winners and 50 Group One winners, and already proving an exceptional Australian broodmare sire. He has been Champion Sire in both hemispheres, proved an outstanding sire of sires and going from strength-to-strength as a broodmare sire. VIVACIOUS carries a bloodline cross to immortal sire Northern Dancer. Her dam, Vivi Veloce, was a Group Three winner over 1200 metres in Australia, and grand-dam Royal Sash (Royal Academy) also won at Group Three level among five wins to 1400 metres.

VIVACIOUS was strapped by Ahbi Pawar.

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Date Change for our Owners Day – now 17^th December

Please note we have had a change of date for our Owners Day – originally set for Sunday 10th Dec, some NZTR programming changes have seen the Rotorua meeting scheduled for the 6th Dec moved to the 10th – Mark and Sam have a big team going, so this means staffing for our Owners Day becomes impossible, hence the date change – see revised details below

Fortuna Owners Day 2023 is scheduled for Sunday 17th December

Yes it’s that time of the year again – the occasion of our very popular Owners Day where we will review the successes of the past 12 months, mix and meet and we will be parading all of the Matamata based horses

Venue – The Gazebo (not Epsom Lounge) – Matamata Racecourse

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Refreshments provided

Note that it is important to register your attendance as we need that for catering – please email jessica@fortuna-nz.com or call/text 021 288 6997

If you have registered for the 10th already, can you please reconfirm with Jessica that you can still make it on the 17th

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Shares filling quickly in our 2023 Ready To Run purchase – the Contributor – Victory Parade Filly – $1240 for each 1% shareNote that Vivacious was our 2022 RTR purchase and her win on Wednesday continues the great run we are having with our RTR purchases in recent years, with our 2020 purchase, Ragamuffin, our 2021 purchase, Inca Belle and now Vivacious all having greeted the judge

About The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

Middle Distance/Staying type

Lot 295– the Two Year Old Filly by the proven Stallion CONTRIBUTOR out of VICTORY PARADE (By Street Sense) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale – this after the Te Akau Selection Team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban had conducted their normal thorough pre sale inspections

Mark Walker, when doing his usual pre sale Video clip inspections, had identified this Filly as a “genuine middle distance/staying type”

The Contributor – Victory Parade Two Year Old Filly – “Kylie”

Pedigree
This Filly, who has been given the stable name “Kylie” is the beneficiary of a strong pedigree. Her Sire, Contributor was a top class racehorse in the UK and Australia, winning 8 times from 18 starts, at trips from 1400 to 2000m – he won four times at Group level, including two Group One victories in Australia. He is the Sire of 121 runners, of which 84 are winners, including 8 Stakes winners.

“Kylie’s” Dam is Victory Parade, a daughter of Street Sense. She won twice in Australia and is the dam of one foal to race, Smokeshow, who has won three trials and run 2^nd in each of his two raceday starts – Click HERE to view pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, standing at 16.1 hands high and tipping the scales at 500kgs, she is physically correct, has a lovely temperament, has a strong athletic walk and passed her pre sale Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had asked David Ellis and Mark Walker to select a staying type Two Year Old Filly out of this sale – one with a strong pedigree page but which also met our criteria for type. Their inspections threw up two or three that met the overall criteria, but this Filly was their preferred option and we were lucky enough to secure her below our budget. Contributor is fashioning a great record as a Sire of staying types and this Filly really does fit the bill. Standing over 16 hands high and weighing 500kgs, she is a great physical specimen.”

”Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type, this Filly really caught my eye when David Ellis and I conducted our inspections – a lovely moving Filly of good size, her breeze up gallop demonstrated a strong powerful action – she paraded very well at inspections and has the physical characteristics to develop into a lovely staying type as a Three Year Old and beyond”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“We thought this Filly by Contributor was a beautiful moving Filly with a lot of class – she presented as a good strong, very sound type and we were thrilled to buy her for what I thought was great value for money”

Ongoing Preparation
“Kylie” is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of prepared for racing at Matamata by Ten time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker in conjunction with co-Trainer, Sam Bergerson of Te Akau Racing Stables – this preparation will commence around 12^th December and will include jumpouts and trials in the late summer/autumn of 2024 – during this initial preparation Mark and Sam will be constantly assessing her and will make a decision whether she can make her race day debut as an Autumn 2yo or whether she can be put aside until her 3yo season, which commences 1 August 2024

Terms

Shares available right down to 1%.
10% share $12,400– 5% share $6,200 – 2.5% share $3,100 – 1% share $1,240

Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance through to 31st January 2025, and Working Capital of over $8,000

Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st January 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card

Syndication Paperwork is still being finalised for this Filly, but we are taking “expressions of interest” – she is 65% committed already, so please email john@fortuna-nz.com or call/text John 021 921 460

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Guest Selector – Gary WilliamsHere is what Gary says this week

Well John and Team, only One win last week but the scratchings and places IMO give me a pass !
Particularly when on course Volare stood out so much and I was able to fill the pockets on the trifecta and first four. But these bigger stakes and more horses chasing them make it very competitive out there !

This week I’m sticking to a couple who I tipped earlier….
Wanganui….Race 3 Wolfgang {$9/$3] well weighted to lead and go close.
Race 7 Egyption Queen ….on the way up now.
Race 8 Soldier Boy [ $13 / $4 ] wide draw and tough rivals but one to follow as has talent .

Te Rapa…..Race 4 Maracatu [ $3 win] ..Fisrst race form has stood up so should go close !
Race 5 Petrucci {$3.50] looks the best of the Tangerine lot.
Race 6 Waitak [ $2.50 ] Stupid price but obviously quite the talent !
Race 7 Monza [ $12 / $4] building to a win and nicely placed in this !
Race 8 So Surreal [ $14 / $4] place best but likes to lead and could stretch them !
Race 9 Grail Seeker [ $4 win] Miserable odds but well rated and could be special !
Race 10 Arjays Flight [ $9 / $3 ] Only won once but looked a picture last week in flesh and was again stiff !Needs this distance IMO.

And remember, bet with your shoelaces.not your Shoes.

Gary W

fortunanz

Trident – 4th Singapore win 7th January 2024

BELLATRIX STAR salutes New Years Day in style with a classy last to first Victory in the Group Two Eclipse Stakes at Pukekohe Park

BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – Warren Kennedy aboard

The Two Year Old Filly by Contributor out of Victory Parade – “Kylie”

BELLATRIX STAR – Winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes – Pukekohe Park – Warren Kennedy aboard

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.

Fortuna Racing’s Three Year Old Filly, VIVACIOUS, records her Maiden win – Te Aroha 29th November

Vivacious records her 1st Win – Te Aroha 29th November 2023 – Opie Bosson aboard

Middle Distance/Staying type

Ellerslie gets “Green light” to resume racing Sunday 14^th January

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie Racecourse on 14^th January 2024 following a successful fourth and final phase of testing on its course proper.