Fortuna 3yo KNIPPENBERG to contest the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint on Saturday 8^th April

Jessica Galvin wins the “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award Auckland Cup Day at Pukekohe

Des Coppins returns as our Guest Selector and provides details on his ever popular Melbourne Cup Tour as well

Fortuna has three runners over the Easter period, two in NZ, one in Singapore

New Zealand

HAYATE contests the R65 1200m event at Pukekohe on Saturday – Race 6 @ 3.34 and will be ridden by Craig Grylls from a wide barrier. She achieved her 2^nd career win at Tauranga over 1300m early December and followed this up with a 3^rd at matamata early January after over racing – has had a short freshen since, trialed nicely at Taupo recently and is ready for this. Can feature here with some luck from her draw

ANGELS WINGS contests the Maiden 3yo 1200m event at Woodville on Easter Monday and will be ridden by Michael McNab from the Ace draw. This Filly has been knocking on the door and gets her chance to break through here with top rider and sweet draw. Good each way chance

Singapore

KNIPPENBERG runs in the feature event, the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint and will be ridden by regular rider, Ronnie Stewart, from barrier 14 in a 16 horse field. He followed up a dominant win on his debut in Restricted Maiden grade late January with a quality performance in Novice Grade 3 weeks later, running 2^nd. Has been kept fresh for this event and trialed beautifully over 1000m 28^th March. Meets a good quality field here, has a difficult draw to overcome and will need some luck, but he is very classy and if he gets the luck, he can feature in the finish here

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Fortuna 3yo KNIPPENBERG to contest the Group 3 Singapore 3yo Sprint on Saturday 8^th April

KNIPPENBERG (I Am Invincible – Red Fez) really steps up to the plate in Singapore on Saturday 8^thApril contesting this Group 3 event at just his 3^rd Singapore start

Knippenberg was originally prepared for racing in Sydney by Ciarin Maher/David Eustace from their Warwick Farm base in Sydney for his International Owners and Breeders, Phoenix Thoroughbreds. He had two trials and two race day starts for them, but did not appear to meet their standards as a stallion making prospect, so they offered him for sale on the Inglis Digital platform in June 2022 and he was acquired by John Galvin for A$32,500. Still a Colt, we gelded him straight away, gave him a good paddock break in NSW and then sent him to Singapore in September. Always very forward, he didn’t put a foot wrong in his initial preparation in the hands of Donna Logan, trialing well and then a dominant winner on his Singapore debut 28^th January in Restricted Maiden Grade over 1200m on the Turf track.

He then contested a Novice event over 1200m on the Poly track, finishing a close up 2^nd after getting carted very wide on the track in the run home by the winner and losing a shoe in the process.

So, now he gets his chance in this event, the first leg of the Singapore 3yo Series – he has to overcome a very tricky gate, but his trial last week was very, very good, rider Ronnie Stewart knows him well and if he gets some luck, he should be able to reward his Ownership Group in the best possible way

Jessica Galvin wins the “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award Auckland Cup Day at Pukekohe

Readers would be very familiar with the “Fashions In the Field” concept which has proven very familiar at several racing venues over the years.

This year at Pukekohe on Auckland Cup Day 11^th March a “Peoples Choice” Fashion Award was held with participants having their photos taken on the day, those photos posted on three different Social Media platforms, Face Book, Instagram and Twitter with viewers on those platforms casting their votes for their preferred choice – with Fortuna’s Jessica Galvin gaining the most votes. Congrats Jessica

The writer is very “one eyed” of course, but Jessica looks great doesn’t she!!! For those readers who like to follow fashion, Jessica’s dress is by Zimmerman, her shoes by Valentino and her bag is by Red Current

Guest Selector  – Des Coppins

Yes, we like to rotate our Guest Selectors and so Des will be back in the chair over the coming weeks. Big thanks to Butch Castles for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide us with his selections in recent times.

Here is what Des says for this week;

Dear John and the Fortuna Team – On paper it’ll be hard to envisage the downfall of Mustang Valley in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Pukekohe on Saturday. We know it’s a quick back up after racing in the Doncaster last week where she was terrific in running 5th less than one length and half off the winner, Mr Brightside.

There is a BUT however. If it’s wet she’s unbeatable given the right run. All her winning form and most of her placed form in a limited career has been all about wet tracks. BUT if it’s a track better than a slow 5 she may be slightly vulnerable. But then again it’s hard to fathom at times the changeable weather patterns and how much rain is likely between now and post time.

So here’s how I read it. On a wet track you go all in on a Mustang Valley and the $2.50 by the bookies is totally acceptable. However, if the track is around the slow 5 or dare I say even better there may be the opportunity for the one of the upcoming three year olds to spoil the favourite’s party. In this category I’m finding it difficult to separate Skew Wiff ($7.50) and Mazzolino ($8.50). Both ran incredibly well against their own age group in the group one Levin Classic three weeks ago at Trentham.  Skew Wiff went up to win half way down the straight but was outmuscled the last 100m or so by her hardened stablemate, Romancing the Moon, while Mazzolino was late in finding clear racing room and charged to the line to finish 4th. Super three year old of last season  and current super star Imperatriz  bounced out of the Levin Classic to win last year’s Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Te Rapa. It’s obviously the right launching pad race for Saturday.

From all accounts both these promising fillies have trained on well since Trentham and they’ll be rock hard fit for Saturday’s big one where they receive a 2.5kg weight concession over Mustang Valley and all other runners.

Here’s how I’m playing it. On a track that’s wetter than a slow 6, it’s all about Mustang Valley, with a generous win bet. If it’s a slow 6 or better one unit for a win and three units for a place on the other pair as well and irrespective of track conditions an exotic bet around box  quinellas and a  trifecta with the trio.

Good punting!

Fortuna’s Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly – “Ali”, is near the end of her breaking in process – inspected by Mark Walker yesterday, he describes her as “very precocious”

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Fortuna has four runners on Saturday 1^st April, one in NZ, three in Singapore
 
New Zealand

INCA BELLE contests the 3yo SW & P event over 1200m at Awapuni – Race 1 @12.30pm and will be ridden by Craig Grylls – three starts, three wins for this talented Per Incanto Filly out of the famous “Belle” family. Meets a good field here but is the only runner with a 100% record.

Singapore

ELLIOT NESS runs in the Class 4 1200 Poly  event – Race 3 at 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Jamil, claiming 4kgs, from barrier 12. A very capable galloper 2^nd up off a long break – is ready for this and has a featherweight to carry, but a very tough draw to contend with – will need luck, but if he gets it, can feature

BRIGGS contests the Open Maiden 1000m Poly  event – Race 4 at 1.30pm Singapore time (6.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Louis Beuzelin from barrier 1 – Resumed this trip 12^th March in Class 4 after a 5 month break from racing, needed the run and will strip fitter for this event which is in an easier grade – big powerful type who may need this run as well – watch

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

1st Pick: TE AKAU BEN (1)
Returns here off an extended break. Showed plenty of promise in his two starts to date include a 2nd at novice grade, horse to beat on paper.
2nd Pick: BRIGGS (2)
Class 4 was a little too far out of his depth last start, back to suitable company and can go close here.
3rd Pick: SIRIUS (5)
Narrowly beaten last start by The Jun and goes around in maiden company this start, each way chance.
4th Pick: GROOVY (9)
Being slow away last start cost him a chance of running a place. Hopefully an improved jump this weekend can see him picking up some prizemoney, keep safe.

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 3 1200m Poly  event – Race 11 at 5pm Singapore time (10pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from barrier 12 – an eight time winner in Singapore, he has not greeted the judge since September 2022, but is back in a winnable grade and down to a dangerous place in the weights – difficult draw to contend with, so will need luck

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 28^th March
Hayate (A Gujar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.10.8, final 600 in 40.8.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 25^th March

KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600 – 38; ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)1000/600- 39:
ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)1000/600- 40; BRIGGS (ASLAM)1000/600- 36;

Tuesday 28^th March

OUR FINAL OFFER (ASLAM)800/600- 38.5;

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Other News

TAB NZ Selects Entain as Preferred Wagering Partner

One of the key recommendations of John Messara’s report of 2018 was that the TAB’s wagering operation be outsourced to an operator of International Scale – the Report (page 36) states as follows:

Under the current structure, the NZRB (TAB) will be unable to deliver the sustainable level of funding to revitalise the NZ Racing and the TAB operations to a level of efficiency required to be competitive against international wagering operations of scale .

Due to its lack of scale, the NZRB is not capable of providing  a best in class proposition to customers, across most areas of core competency, as that demands a level of ongoing capital investment that is substantially more that the NZRB’s current capacity.

The optimal outcome for the development and sustainability of the NZ Racing Industry is a full operational outsourcing of all domestic wagering, broadcast and gaming operations, to a single third party wagering and media operator of international scale, under a long term contract, with the NZRB holding the licence.

So, it has taken five years, some significant legislative and operational effort plus, no doubt, some intense negotiations, but the outcome is summarised in the news release from the TAB below – this agreement needs to be signed off by the Minister for Racing – this could happen very quickly. As I write this it is difficult to predict the precise timing of events that would follow (this because the full detail of the deal is subject to a confidentiality agreement until after the Ministerial sign off), but the talk within the industry is that the initial upfront payment and ongoing guarantee of funding could result in some significant prizemoney increase announcements in the very immediate future – we will need to wait and see on that, so watch this space as they say

Here is the announcement from the TAB

TAB NZ

27 March 2023

As a statutory entity and the sole holder of a betting licence in New Zealand, TAB NZ is committed to materially boosting the fortunes of racing and sport, delivering a world-class customer experience and enhancing its responsible gambling and harm minimisation efforts.

For some time, TAB NZ has faced increasing competition, rising costs, capital constraints as well as other challenges, which have impacted its ability to deliver adequate funding to racing and sports. These challenges are expected to increase.
In order to achieve TAB NZ’s objectives and growth ambitions, Board and management considered that it was in the best interest of TAB NZ and its stakeholders to explore a strategic partnering arrangement with a world-class international wagering operator to deliver TAB NZ’s wagering and broadcast functions.

Over the past six months, TAB NZ has engaged with a range of world-class operators in relation to a strategic partnering arrangement and received several compelling proposals. It has been supported through the process out of Australia by Barrenjoey Capital Partners as sole financial adviser, Allens as principal legal advisers. Chapman Tripp provided legal advice in New Zealand.

Following a detailed assessment of a number of proposals which were received, TAB NZ has today announced that it has selected Entain as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement. The proposed strategic arrangement remains subject to Ministerial approval. The specific terms of the arrangement remain commercially confidential until approval is granted.

Entain was selected as the preferred partner based on a wide range of criteria, including operational expertise, cultural alignment with TAB NZ and the commitment of the partner to uplifting TAB NZ’s harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts.

TAB NZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Tod said today’s announcement signals an important step in boosting the fortunes of racing, sport and communities for a generation. “TAB NZ faced an uncertain future in a David and Goliath battle with international wagering operators and a lack of capital to both compete and meet its potential. Today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward the transformation of TAB NZ and those who rely upon its growth and long-term success. In the absence of a strategic partnering arrangement, TAB NZ would be further cutting distributions in the next financial year,” Mr Tod said. “This proposed strategic arrangement with Entain provides a certain, material and immediate uplift in the funding TAB NZ can provide New Zealand racing and sports ensuring that these industries not only survive, but thrive. It will allow us to greatly improve our harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts, and provides immediate job security and long-term job creation in New Zealand to the advancement of our nation at large. Entain is a global and world-class operator who will deliver industry best practice and an elevated and safe experience for New Zealand punters, as well as racing and sports fans. We are deeply excited by their commitment to New Zealand and this opportunity.”

TAB NZ Chairman Mark Stewart said the Board is unanimously supportive of the proposed strategic partnering arrangement.

“Management and the Board ran a world-class and robust process that attracted the interest of some of the best wagering operators in the world and have delivered a result that will benefit all our stakeholders for a generation. It’s a credit to our Chief Executive Officer and his team for the result they have delivered and to our stakeholders in Racing and Sport for the way in which they have supported this process,” Mr Stewart said.

Entain’s Chief Executive Officer – Australia, Dean Shannon, said the company was excited to be selected by TAB NZ as its preferred partner. “This is a unique opportunity to shape the future wagering experience for customers and to support New Zealand’s racing and sporting industries. We have a compelling vision for the future of TAB NZ, which includes a renewed focus on innovation and technology, and a long-term commitment to all racing, sport and industry stakeholders,” Mr Shannon said. “As the partner of choice for New Zealand, we have made a firm commitment to employment continuity for at least 24 months, with the team at TAB NZ essential to our future vision and growth of the market in New Zealand. We applaud TAB NZ for how the process has been run to date and we look forward to working with all stakeholders on necessary approvals to finalise the transaction.”

Overview

• TAB NZ today announces that it has selected Entain as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement.
• The proposed strategic arrangement enhances the viability of New Zealand racing and sport, will materially boost the fortunes of both and has the support of key stakeholders, including the three racing codes and Sport NZ.
• If approved by the Minister for Racing, today’s announcement will deliver a key recommendation from the Messara Report (2018) that was provided to the New Zealand Government as a critical change to support the long-term viability of the Racing industry.

Ministerial Approval

• The proposed strategic arrangement remains subject to Ministerial approval. TAB NZ and Entain look forward to working collaboratively with the Minister’s office in relation to the proposed strategic arrangement.

Key benefits of proposed strategic arrangement with Entain

• Guaranteed funding to TAB NZ of greater than NZ$1.0 billion in the first five years to support the revitalisation of the racing industry with material upside over the life of the arrangement.
• Significantly strengthens the financial position of TAB NZ today by facilitating an upfront payment to racing and sports, in addition to an increase in future payments over time relative to TAB NZ’s current trajectory of funding reductions
• Additional and significant upfront payment should legislation be enacted that prevents unlicensed offshore operators from providing wagering services in New Zealand.
• Over the 25-year arrangement, the proposed terms have the potential to deliver a total uplift in payments to racing and sports of c.NZ$5.0 billion relative to the counterfactual of TAB NZ’s declining commercial performance due to intense international competition and historic under investment in the business in key areas like retail, technology, broadcast and operations
• Investment and uplift in TAB NZ’s harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts
• A 24-month employment guarantee for TAB NZ’s employees, with new job opportunities for Kiwis as the New Zealand market and Racing and Sports industries grow
• A commitment to retain and refresh the TAB NZ brand
• A commitment to provide a world-class and industry best practice wagering, retail and broadcast offering to Kiwi customers as well as racing and sports fans
• Additional support to the Racing industry, including a NZ$10.0 million sponsorship of an enhanced racing carnival and the establishment of other community linked initiatives
• Strong racing and sports industries are expected to drive significant economic growth and see New Zealand communities, as well as the nation at large benefit materially, including the creation of new roles both directly and indirectly

About Entain

Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the world’s largest sports- betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports brands include BetCity, bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet, Sports Interaction and SuperSport; Gaming brands include Foxy Bingo, Gala, GiocoDigitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, Partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group owns proprietary technology across all its core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis.

The Group has a 50/50 joint venture, BetMGM, a leader in sports betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology and capabilities which power BetMGM as well as exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The Group is tax resident in the UK and is the only global operator to exclusively operate in domestically regulated or regulating markets operating in over 40 territories.

Entain is a leader in ESG, a member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AA rated by MSCI. The Group has set a science-based target, committing to be carbon net zero by 2035 and through the Entain Foundation supports a variety of initiatives, focusing on safer gambling, grassroots sport, diversity in technology and community projects. For more information see the Group’s website: www.entaingroup.com

Fortuna’s Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly – “Ali”, is near the end of her breaking in process – inspected by Mark Walker yesterday, he describes her as “very precocious”

Picked out of the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale Book One catalogue by Mark, David and Marcus Corban as a natural 2yo type who would be an “early runner”. this filly (stable name “Ali”) has lived up to her pre sale inspection, being one of the first of the Karaka Yearlings acquired by Te Akau to get broken in and yesterday Mark Walker watched her being ridden at the breakers and reports as follows;

“John, I went to the breakers yesterday to watch your Star Witness filly work – she is near the end of her breaking in process and being ridden in work every day. What a magnificent Filly she has developed into – she is a very precocious type, very forward and free going with a great action – I loved her attitude, she was very willing and just wanted to please her rider. She presents as a natural 2yo type who is a definite chance to make the 2024 Karaka Million and she will come over to the Main Stables April 7th for her first stable preparation”

The Singapore Racing Annual Awards Evening was held 21^st March

“Everyone should race a grey horse at least once in their lifetime” – Robert Sangster
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Fortuna has just one runner on Saturday 25^th March – in Singapore

Singapore

KING ARTHUR contests the Kranji Stakes A 1200m Turf  event – Race 10 at 4.30pm Singapore time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, from barrier 3 – this nine time winner is the 2^nd best horse in Singapore and has great stats at this trip and surface – is giving away a lot of weight to most of the field here, but has a lovely draw and in form rider claiming 2kgs – very good each way chance

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

1st Pick: GOLDEN MONKEY (4)
Has had two trials since his last run where he was wide without cover and never got on the track. Weighted incredibly well, respect.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Comes into this event carrying a large weight off a rating of 105. Apprentice takes off some weight here? Top three player.
3rd Pick: GRAND KOONTA (2)
Such a fierce competitor who has struggled to win with such a high rating. Always gives his all and can never be underestimated, place chance.
4th Pick: SKY EYE (3)
Narrowly defeated by a horse with 46kg. Beaten by less than a length and this week gets a 4kg claiming rider back on board who has won on him in the past.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 18^th March

KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)800/600- 37.5; KING ARTHUR(YUSOFF)1000/600- 37; RHETT BUTLER(AWAH)800- 37;

Tuesday 21st March

KINPPENBERG(ASLAM)1000/600– 38; ELLIOT NESS(YUSOFF)800/600- 40 ; BRIGGS(ASLAM)1000/600- 38; KING ARTHUR(YUSOFF)800/600- 40; ENTERTAINER(YUSOFF)800/600- 38;

Other News

The Singapore Racing Annual Awards Evening was held 21^st March

Fortuna Racing was represented on the evening by a small group of our Owners, including two who had travelled up from New Zealand – this because King Arthur had been nominated in the Champion Sprinter of The Year category – Our other connection was with the Te Akau Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, who was crowned Champion Apprentice – Yusoff rode 22 winners during the 2022 season, 7 of which were on Fortuna runners – here is the story about the evening from the STC website

The Singapore Racing Awards celebrated 2022 racing season’s best at the Derby, Singapore Turf Club on Tuesday, 21 March 2023, with 13 awards given out at the gala dinner.

Singapore Turf Club Chief Racing Officer Dayle Brown said, “We’re pleased to be able to once again host the Singapore Racing Awards ceremony in celebration of the efforts and contributions from key industry players and equine athletes.”
“Our heartiest congratulations to all the winning owners, trainers and jockeys. Our collective passion and love for the sport of horse racing continue to steer us in a new world.
“The new season will be one to look forward to, with the doubling of feature races and the re-introduction of popular race series which will further test the tenacity of our local champion horses, as well as new and talented youngsters.”

Horse of the Year Award
Lim’s Kosciuszko was crowned the Horse of the Year and also bagged awards in the Champion Sprinter and Champion Four-Year-Old categories.
Unbeaten at his first four runs in 2021, the Daniel Meagher-trained Lim’s Kosciuszko picked up where he left off with another four consecutive wins in 2022. He suffered three defeats before bouncing back with a first Group 1 feather in his cap, the Singapore Derby (1800m), which cemented his new status as the Champion Four-Year-Old.
Barely a month later, Lim’s Kosciuszko showed his versatility by scooping up the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m), that earned him the gong for the Champion Sprinter award.
Meagher was elated with the son of Kermadec’s achievement.
“I was hopeful before (the award ceremony), but to achieve what he has done, we are all very proud of him,” he said.
“He represented Singapore in Hong Kong, and even if it was disappointing then, the horse has improved and came back to win a Group 3 (Merlion Trophy) this year.
“It’s a wonderful night for the team, the owners and the two horses, and to win six awards (two awards for Lim’s Stable, three awards for Lim’s Kosciuszko and one award for Lim’s Lightning) is great. Well done to the Club for getting everybody back together at the function.”

Other Equine Awards
Stablemate and 2021 Singapore Horse of the Year Lim’s Lightning retained his title as Champion Miler after he outclassed a stellar field in the Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m) while the Champion Stayer award went to Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) winner Hongkong Great.
Thanks to his four wins on the Polytrack, Lucky Jinsha was without much surprise crowned Champion Polytrack Horse.
For sweeping the two legs of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) and the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m), rising star Golden Monkey was a hot favourite for the Champion Three-Year-Old title, which he deservedly won.
The winners for the seven equine awards, including the coveted Horse of the Year award were determined by votes from a panel of 10 external and 10 internal judges based on a list of nominees shortlisted for their performances in Group races and Class 1 / Kranji Stakes A races.

Personality Awards
Since branching out on his own in 2019, Australian trainer Tim Fitzsimmons bagged his first Champion Trainer title on 65 wins.
On the other hand, Manoel Nunes is a familiar face at such award nights. The Brazilian took the Singapore jockeys’ premiership honours from 2014 to 2016, and his sensational tally of 81 wins last year saw him finish well clear of Wong Chin Chuen. On 43 wins, the Malaysian rider claimed the Champion Resident Jockey award for recording the most number of wins among the resident jockeys.
Penang apprentice jockey Yusoff Fadzli was crowned Champion Apprentice Jockey for the first time thanks to a haul of 22 winners.
Already a multiple-champion owner, the Lim’s Stable, who races both Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Lightning, won yet another Champion Owner (by Prizemoney) award. They also shared the honours with Buffalo Stable in the Champion Owner (by Wins) category.
Five out of the six personality awards were determined by their number of wins in the season, but the Champion Owner (By Prizemoney) award was determined by the total prizemoney won by the owner’s horses in the races.

The full list of winners is as follows:

“Everyone should race a grey horse at least once in their lifetime” – Robert Sangster

As one of the most successful Owners in racing history, the late Robert Sangster certainly knew a thing or two about racing, so his advice on “greys” is very sage – here is your chance to follow his advice – see below

About The Yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen – “Raquel”

Definite Middle Distance/Staying type of Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Stallion RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoute’s Choice) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling 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”

Pedigree
Raquel is the beneficiary of a stout pedigree. Her Sire, Reliable Man was a top class Stayer, winning five times from 14 starts at trips from 2000 to 2400m – he won twice at Group One level, firstly at Chantilly in France and then at Royal Randwick in Sydney, where he won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, defeating Dundeel. He is the Sire of over 370 winners, including 20 Stakes winners. These include the Victorian Oaks winner, Miami Bound, the NZ Oaks winner, Miss Sentimental and the Western Austrian glamour Mare, Inspirational Girl

Raquel’s Dam is Scene Queen, a daughter of the renowned Champion Stallion and Broodmare Sire, Redoute’s Choice. She raced 3 times without winning and is the dam of five foals to race, four of whom have won, including the very smart Steven Autridge trained 3yo, Helly Belly, who has now won 2 races from 6 starts.

Click HERE to view her pedigree

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, “Raquel” 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)
“At the 2022 Sale we had acquired a lovely Reliable Man Filly – given the race name , Matariki, unfortunately she suffered a severe paddock accident and had to be put down – determined to find a suitable replacement, our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban identified Lot 979, also by Reliable Man and out of a Redoutes Choice Mare, as one of the nicest staying type Grey Fillies out of both Book 1 and Book 2 and, remarkably, we secured her for the same price  as Matariki”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)
“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type Grey Filly, there was nothing in Book 1 that appealed, however Lot 979 in Book 2 really caught my eye – an athletic Filly of good size and with plenty of scope, her walk was very fluent and she really appealed to me. She will certainly benefit with a patient approach but I could see her as an Autumn 2yo who will develop and strengthen nicely into her 3yo year and beyond .”

Selectors view (Marcus Corban)
“This Filly is a typical strong Reliable Man type – she has a great athletic walk and plenty of size and scope – Reliable Man is a renowned Sire of stayers and this cross with a Redoute’s Choice mare injects class and speed into her pedigree page – this Filly represents great value at her acquisition price”

Ongoing Preparation
Raquel is now into her 3rd week of being broken in and once broken in, she will then be prepared for racing at Matamata by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables – her first preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and David and Mark will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her.

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000 – 2.5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over$9,500
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^stApril 2023 – 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

Guest Selector  – Andrew Castles

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team – I am going to suggest a bet at a price on Saturday at Tauranga. The track continues to dry and I would expect a Soft5 at worst by the time of the last race. I think this will suit the son of Telperion in Tommy (2). All three race day appearances have had merit and I expect him to run out a strong 1600m off a good gate. The price of $7.50 and $2.70 is very appealing and so is the $2.8 on offer from the TAB for a Top 4 finish! Butch

Fortuna launches a new syndicate – a yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of a Redoute’s Choice Mare

Flood Relief Donations

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Fortuna has six runners on Saturday, four in NZ and two in Singapore

New Zealand

Otaki

MALBOROUGH BAY races in the R65 1600m – Race 6 @ 3.38 pm and will be ridden by Jason Laking from Barrier 6. A winner on debut at Matamata in May of his 2yo year, since performing well during a South Island campaign including a 3^rd in the Listed War Decree Stakes at Riccarton and then getting no luck in the running in the 2000 Guineas, he has fallen into a hole with his form, producing two rather average results since resuming, although was good closing stages of his last start at New Plymouth. He finds an even field here and the prospect of an easing in track conditions at Otaki will assist his prospects – can feature here

Matamata

Madame Moet contests the R65 1200 – Race 3 @ 1.35pm – Sam Weatherly to ride from an outside draw – has been a difficult customer at times, but both her career wins have come at this venue – this trip may be too short for her and her draw makes it difficult – any easing of the ground will suit her – has a chance of running a place if things go right on the day

NAVALHA runs in the R75 1400 – Race 5 @2.43pm with Craig Zackey aboard. Impressing with a strong finishing run on resuming at New Plymouth Friday 17^th at this trip and grade, he looks to improve on that effort here. Has a mid field draw and can be tardy away, but does look to be a good each way chance in this

RUBICON CROSSING takes her place in the feature race of the day the Group Two Matamata Breeders Stakes and will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn. A winner on debut in the Spring, she is well performed at Stakes level running placings three times, but was slightly disappointing with her last start 4^th in the Taranaki Classic – wide draw (again!!) but blinkers go on and tactics will be to be bold from the jump. Meets a very good field here and would need take a big step and be right on top of her game – can run into the money if things go right.

Singapore

TRIDENT contests the Class 4 1200 Turf event – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT and will be ridden by Simon Kok claiming 1kg, from a mid field barrier. Seven Singapore starts for two wins, three seconds and a fourth says it all about this 4yo son of Deep Field. Is resuming but trialed very nicely 10 days ago. Can give this a shake and is a good each way chance.

Here is what the STC tipsters say about this race

1st Pick: BUURAQ SIXTY-ONE (5)
Has a fantastic track and distance record having only run out of the top three once (6:2-2-1). Nunes booked to ride and draws a fabulous gate, looks the pick of the lot on paper.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (2)
Returns here for first up run. Has been a model of consistency so far in his career with five top two finishes in seven starts. Don’t underestimate him.
3rd Pick: BE YOU (3)
Raced wide after being ridden cold. Despite being caught in a sticky spot, he still rattled home to only be beaten 3.1 lengths. Should be better here with a race under his belt.
4th Pick: FROM THE NAVY (1)
Definitely a horse has proven in class 4 carrying weight, the question is simply whether he’ll need a run or not. Top four hope first up.

ENTERTAINER races in the Class 3 1000 Poly – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs from an outside barrier – an eight time winner in Singapore with over S$300k in earnings, “Joker” is back to a winnable grade, although did disappoint at his last start (but did have excuses) – will find it difficult from this draw at this trip, but if he flies the gates, watch out

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  February

Rubicon Crossing (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.6, home in 36.8.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 18^th February
Elliot Ness(Yusoff)1000/600- 39.5;

Tuesday 21st February
Our Final Offer(AWAH)1000/600- 38; King Arthur(Yusoff)10000/600- 39.5Briggs(Louis)1000/600- 37; Trident(Simon)800/600- 39;

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Other News

Fortuna launches a new syndicate – a yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen (by Redoute’s Choice)

About The Yearling Filly by Reliable Man out of Scene Queen – “Raquel”

Definite Middle Distance/Staying type of Filly

Lot 979 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Stallion RELIABLE MAN out of SCENE QUEEN (By Redoute’s Choice) has been acquired by the David Ellis/Fortuna Racing combination from the 2023 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling 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”

Pedigree

Raquel is the beneficiary of a stout pedigree. Her Sire, Reliable Man was a top class Stayer, winning five times from 14 starts at trips from 2000 to 2400m – he won twice at Group One level, firstly at Chantilly in France and then at Royal Randwick in Sydney, where he won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, defeating Dundeel. He is the Sire of over 370 winners, including 20 Stakes winners. These include the Victorian Oaks winner, Miami Bound, the NZ Oaks winner, Miss Sentimental and the Western Austrian glamour Mare, Inspirational Girl.

Raquel’s Dam is Scene Queen, a daughter of the renowned Champion Stallion and Broodmare Sire, Redoute’s Choice. She raced 3 times without winning and is the dam of five foals to race, four of whom have won, including the very smart Steven Autridge trained 3yo, Helly Belly, a winner at Matamata in December.

Physical type
A powerful, athletic Filly of good size, “Raquel” 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)
“At the 2022 Sale we had acquired a lovely Reliable Man Filly – given the race name , Matariki, unfortunately she suffered a severe paddock accident and had to be put down – determined to find a suitable replacement, our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban identified Lot 979, also by Reliable Man and out of a Redoutes Choice Mare, as one of the nicest staying type Grey Fillies out of both Book 1 and Book 2 and, remarkably, we secured her for the same price  as Matariki”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)
“Asked by John Galvin to find a nice staying type Grey Filly, there was nothing in Book 1 that appealed, however Lot 979 in Book 2 really caught my eye – an athletic Filly of good size and with plenty of scope, her walk was very fluent and she really appealed to me. She will certainly benefit with a patient approach but I could see her as an Autumn 2yo who will develop and strengthen nicely into her 3yo year and beyond .”

Selectors view (Marcus Corban)
“This Filly is a typical strong Reliable Man type – she has a great athletic walk and plenty of size and scope – Reliable Man is a renowned Sire of stayers and this cross with a Redoute’s Choice mare injects class and speed into her pedigree page – this Filly represents great value at her acquisition price”

Ongoing Preparation
Raquel is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mid March) and will then be prepared for racing at Matamata by nine time Premiership winning Trainer, Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing Stables – her first preparation will be short (2 – 3 weeks) – she will then have a further paddock spell to enable further growth and maturity and David and Mark will assess her in the Spring of 2023 in order to map out an ongoing trials/race plan for her.
Disclosure Statement & Agreement
View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for this syndicate

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $8,000– 5% share $4,000 – 2.5% share $2,000 – 1% share $800 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Karaka Million Fee, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of over $9,500
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2023 – 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 from the Fortuna website HERE or contact John directly by email response to this newsletter or call/text 021 921 460

Other Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

Super Seth – Dark Heather Filly

Freshman Sire Super Seth has taken the 2023 Yearling Sales by storm with his 1^st crop of yearlings being well sought by some high profile buyers. Our purchase, nicknamed “Ruby” has had a significant pedigree upgrade since we acquired her, with a very close relative, the 3yo Colt Red Resistance, making it two wins from two starts in Sydney and now a strong contender for the Golden Slipper

 
$1960 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 8% left

Click HERE  to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video. An August foal she looks like she will run as a 2yo, but has the size and scope to develop into a strong, powerful 3yo. Lots of residual value with this pedigree

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 27% available

Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – she should be up and running as a 2yo before Christmas and as such, represents a genuine chance to qualify for the 2024 Karaka Million

$1360 per each 1% share and $44 per month from 1 April 2023 – 34% available

I really love this one – a genuine staying type by physique and pedigree page Click HERE to read all about her, view her pedigree and see her parade Video – she will be given plenty of time to mature and develop, but may well debut as an Autumn 2yo and will certainly develop into a strong 3yo type who will run a trip

Orders can be made direct from our website pages but do not hesitate to email me or call/text 021 921 460 if you require further info

Flood Relief Donations

Several of our clients, hearing of different initiatives that have been instigated by the Thoroughbred industry, have asked how they may assist with Flood relief – obviously there are lots of ways that can be done, however there are three clear pathways via Thoroughbred industry initiatives and I have included details of those below

For horse welfare (all breeds): Donations for NZTR/Dunstan Horsefeeds/NZTBA appeal horse feed and medical supplies:
NZTR account: 01-0517-0063944-07
Reference: Cyclone Appeal

Kingsclere Stables/Thoroughbred Industry: Hawke’s Bay Relief Fund (this is the Roger James/Robert Wellwood initiative)
BNZ Matamata – 02-0360-0059698-25

Te Akau Racing Donations to NZ Red Cross
Email: Karyn@teakauracing.com

Guest Selector  – Andrew Castles

No luck with Butch’s selection last week – Here is what he selects for us this week

“Hi John and the Fortuna Team. Hard work this week with the unknown around track conditions, particularly at Matamata with rain forecast. I could have gone with the easy option and tipped Tokyo Tycoon to remain unbeaten by winning the Fairview Matamata Slipper but at $1.7 that doesn’t do much for the bank balance. After saying all of that I am going to step outside the square this week and tip a Quinella!! Race 2 at Matamata sees a couple of promising horses engaged and both of them cop a wet track. No 1 Freeze Frame and No 5 Ask Mum both look like they will progress through the grades. While they both relish rain affected tracks some of the hardest to beat in the race don’t and if the track got out to a Slow7 or Slow8 would likely be scratched. With that in mind if you are going to bet I would suggest locking in the $8.90 currently on offer with the TAB!. Butch”