Fortuna Yearling Shares available

================================================
Fortuna has five runners Friday and Saturday, two in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

New Plymouth – Friday 17th

NAVALHA contests the R75 1200m – Race 3 @ 1.37 pm and will be ridden by Craig Zackey from Barrier 4. Freshened since a Riccarton campaign where he won down the chute, he has trialed nicely and is primed for this race. Meets a good field here but can be competitive in this – good each way chance

Pukekohe Park – Saturday 18th

SOPRANO SUPREME runs in the Group 2 Avondale Cup over 2400m  – Race 7 @ 3.54pm – she will be ridden by Jake Bayliss from an inside barrier and carries the minimum of 53kgs. An out and out staying type, she won at 2400 Te Rapa 26^th Nov on a Soft 6 surface, ran 3^rd 2300m Trentham early December and 5^th this track 2200m on a Good 4. Will love the trip, drawn to get a Soft run, appreciates sting out of the track. Market has her at $14 and $4.20 – is a good place chance in this at odds and a winning performance would not surprise

Singapore

ROCKY races in the Class 4 1200 Poly – Race 3 @ 1pm Sing time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice S Shafrizal from barrier 5 – breaking Maidens last August, this 4yo son of El Roca has had four starts since including two fourths and a 3^rd at his last start in January – gets a good draw here and has an absolute featherweight to carry – can feature here and is a good each way chance at odds

KNIPPENBERG races in the Novice 1200 Poly – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Sing time (8.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Ronnie Stewart from barrier 3 – a dominant winner on debut in Restricted Maiden grade on the Turf in a time just outside standard on a wet track, he gets the Poly here. Has a lot of natural ability and has taken good improvement from his debut run. Looks a very strong candidate on paper to run in the top 3 and can win

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

DECEPTION contests the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Simon Kok from barrier 9 – this 4yo son of I Am Invincible has won twice from 17 starts but is always there or thereabouts in his races – gets back in the run, but has a powerful finish and has only 53 kgs to carry. Good each way chance here

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 15^th February

Soprano Supreme (J Bayliss) worked together over an easy 1400 metres, home in 40.67.

Navalha (T Harris) worked over an easy 1000 metres, home in 38.7.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 11^th February

Our Final Offer(Aslam) 1000/600- 37.5; Deception(Simon)1000/600- 37.5; Trident(Simon) 1000/600- 40;

Tuesday 14^h February

Deception(Saimon)800/600- 42; Entertainer (Yusoff)1000/600- 39.5; Elliot Ness(Yusoff)1000/600- 38; Rocky(Yusoff)1000/600- 39;

Fortuna Yearling Shares available

From Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

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

From Karaka Sale

Fortuna Karaka Yearlings

Te Akau Stud Visits to view Yearlings

Fortuna Client Gary Williams (and now a winner of the Wellington Cup) reminisces

Mark Walker records his 1000th NZ training success at Taupo during the week – for the record, Mark’s total Singapore wins were 685, so he is closing in on 2000 total career training wins very quickly

Fortuna has just one runner this weekend at Hastings today

MOHAWK BRAVE contests the R75 1400 – Race 2 @ 1.01pm – Parmar Singh to ride claiming 2kgs from barrier 7. He has yet to produce his very strong 3yo form as a 4yo, but is running honest races. Parmar is reunited with him after the two of them combined to win 3 races last season. Good each way chance and can greet the judge here with the right run

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 8th February

Soprano Supreme (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1400 metres, home in 37.07.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 4^th February

Briggs(Aslam)-1000/600 39; Rocky(Yusoff) 1000/600 37.5 ; Trident(Yusoff)1000/600 38 ; Our Final Offer(Aslam)1000/600 39.5 ;

Tuesday 7^th February

Briggs(Aslam) 1000/600- 39; Elliot Ness(Yusoff) 800/600-40 ; Makkem Lad(Awah) 800/600-39 ; Knippenberg (Aslam) 1000/600- 40; Our Final Offer (Aslam) 1000/600- 40; Trident (Yusoff) 1000/600-40 ;

Other News

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales last week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type (Star Witness) – the other a Staying Type (Eminent)

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 ongoing from 1 April 2023

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. $1300 per each 1% share and $44 per month ongoing from 1 April 2023

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

Yearling Inspections – Te Akau Stud

Fortuna Client Gary Williams (a lifetime racing enthusiast and now a winner of the Wellington Cup) shares some great racing memories with us

John, I felt moved to write this note to you after that Wellington Cup win, clearly you have a touch of genius about you, firstly you dialed up the rain and secondly, you have turned a potential Steeplechaser into a Wellington Cup Winner!!!

I have won over 25 Group ONE races …20 in Harness and 5 in Gallops plus several Group 2 and 3 races in Gallops ….I have worked out I won 10 Cups in NZ and Queensland plus a 3rd in Melbourne Cup. List includes Avondale Cup, Counties Cup, City of Auckland Cup, Te Aroha, Rotorua and Taupo Cups….and now  a Wellington Cup. I was thrilled, just sad my Dad wasn’t here to see it.

Here’s why the Wellington Cup means so much to me since I was a foetus!!

Being raised in Mosgiel/Wingatui in a horse community it seemed to be the BIGGEST race in NZ. Wingatui/Otago horses had a good record in it. In 1959 local businessman George Barton won it with Ark Royal. Earlier in 50’s Owner/trainer Joe Brown had won it with Reformed…..Joe’s son was my good friend for a few years as kids, we played rugby together and I hung out at their house and stables. Then another primary school class mates Dad, Mick Brown, won the Cup in 1961 with 8 yr old Great Sensation, then repeated it in 1962, became high profile and won it as a 10 yr old for 3rd time!! We listened to that 3rd win beside a river in Oxford, Canterbury while on our annual holiday for family.

This inspired my Dad to decide to go to the Wellington Cup the next year and he took me too. Probably the only time my Dad ever flew in plane, that annual visit to the Cup. First year he took me, 1964, our neighbour and Dad’s customer Gordon Thomson won a minor race with Minglow [ the dam of Champion mare Showgate ]. The next year 1965 Eifell Tower won ridden by EJ Didham who lived over our back fence. Eiffel Tower then became a champion steeple chaser !!!

Another jockey RJ  (Bob) Skelton lived near…he won the Wellington Cup 5 times from memory. Dad took me a few more times in late 60’s, then became sick, but still loved the horses and Cup and Christchurch during NZ Cup week was his other ‘happy place ‘.

In about 1977 our neighbour put Showgate in the Cup and got second to Good Lord. I was playing in Plunket Shield cricket for Otago and got to field on boundary to listen to race. Once I started working I often flew across to the Cup from Nelson. One year my runner, Tinseltown won the Summer Cup there on Cup day when it rained on the day. I think Tinseltown had 2 x shots at the Wellington Cup, possibly favourite too, but the hard ground and top weight not to his liking as a small horse. Another runner of mine, Pasta Post, was also favourite but they overwatered the track that year and it was a mess…distance a query too…he won the Group 1 Easter Mile at his next start then broke down !

Trentham has given some sad moments too……my neighbour and friends champion Mare, Showgate, broke down winning Trentham Stakes as did our Xcellent…same race 25 years or so later. Last race for both. !

So the 2023 win was a huge thrill for me……Leaderboard needs at least 3200m and soft ground…..he still has some miles/wins in those legs.  Steeplechasing time of year ticks those two boxes. Please order the rain in summer again for 3200m races too…..maybe his feet now feeling the best ever ????

Thrilling stuff John …….I am over the moon

Talking of success for our clients, I had a lovely phone call during the week from Des Gillian. Des and Lorraine now live in a retirement village in Auckland and are long standing Fortuna clients, taking small shares in several horses. Des told me that they have had 23 Fortuna winners over the past 23 months!!! Mainly involved in Singapore horses, Entertainer, King Arthur, Trident and now, Knippenberg have all delivered in spades for them with the very good Singapore prizemoney providing a nice supplement to the pension, Des tells me.

Guest Selector  – Andrew Castles

2^nd last week was Butch’s lot with Freeze Frame – notable that the winner paid $53 which led to a $1500 Trifecta and a $16k First 4!!!!

Here is what Butch says this week

“Dear John and Team – A fantastic card assembled at Te Rapa Saturday with the Herbie Dyke Stakes and BCD Group Sprint both providing as good a Group One fields as we can get in NZ. Early in the day I have found one that in my opinion should be winning. Master Brutus (race 2 no 1) was beaten the barest of margins over this 1200m trip on Karaka Million night. The winner on that occasion was Maven Belle – rated a genuine winning chance in the BCD Group Sprint! Ideally placed in a MAAT 1200m race Master Brutus will go forward from a wide gate and likely sit outside the speed. I expect him to be too classy in what is a tidy enough field. He is $2.20 with the TAB and with the form around Maven Belle I think that’s worth taking. Best of luck. Butch”

Knippenberg caps a wonderful day of racing 28^th Jan for the Fortuna Team with a debut win in Singapore

Cups News

Fortuna has five runners over the weekend, two in New Zealand, three in Singapore – two of our runners are contesting Group 3 events

MALBOROUGH BAY  runs in the R65 event at New Plymouth on Saturday 4^th – Race 4 @ 2.28pm and gets the services of Opie Bosson. Got no luck in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November and then disappointed when resuming at Te Rapa on New Year’s Day. Talented at best, he can bounce back here to feature in the finish and any easing of the track will assist

RUBICON CROSSING runs in the Group 3 Taranaki 2yo Classic over 1200m – Race 5 @3.06, with Michael McNab to ride – a winner on debut in September, she has featured in the finish of all of her four race day starts and can do so here again. Very good top 3 chance

Singapore

ENTERTAINER contests the Class 3 1100 Polytrack event – Race 10 @4.30 pm Sing time 9.30pm NZT) – will be ridden by Stable Apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 4kgs, from Barrier 7. Incredibly, “Joker” has won 7 his 8 Singapore victories at this trip and surface. Has battled in higher grades since his last win, but now back to a much more suitable Class 3 – with 4kgs off his back as well. Represents a genuine winning chance here

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Drops back in class where he last scored over 1000m by a nose in September of last year. Holds one of the best course and distance records here with seven wins from thirteen starts. The claim for Jamil a big plus.
2nd Pick: LORD JUSTICE (4)
Draws nicely in barrier two for Kasim who steers for the first time. He has rocketed his way up the grades and keeps raising the bar. Has trialled nicely in good time for this assault.
3rd Pick: GOLD TEN SIXTY-ONE (6)
In-form rider CC Wong jumps aboard this consistent gelding who races well on this surface. Finished second to boom galloper Street Of Dreams and was catching the eye late.
4th Pick: CASH COVE (8)
Did hold a nomination for our Group Three feature but has elected to tackle an easier race. Nunes sticks in the saddle on one of our leading three-year-olds. This is tougher than recent runs.

KING ARTHUR contests the Group 3 Merlion Trophy over 1200m on the Poly event – Race 11 @5pm Sing time (10pm NZT) – a nine time winner in Singapore, including 4 at this trip and distance – meets the very best horse in Singapore LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO at level weights, so it won’t be easy, but also gets the best jockey in Singapore, Manoel Nunes as pilot – definite top 3 chance and can win if things so right

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO (1)
No contest that he is Singapore’s premier galloper who competed on the world stage in Hong Kong last start. Wasn’t the fairy tale finish but the multiple group one winner has trialled in strong order for his first test on this surface.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (2)
Continues to run well in our premier sprint races over the last six months. He gets to a surface where he has a very strong record and could give the favourite a few scary moments.
3rd Pick: ROCKET STAR (3)
Draws the ace for Lerner who will drift back and find his feet early. If the speed is hot and the leaders are stopping, he could be the one finishing over the lot of them. Each way claims.
4th Pick: SURPASS NATURAL (4)
Duric jumps on this lightly raced galloper who has shown plenty of ability in his short career and will just need some luck from a wide draw. Continues to improve this gelding.

BRUTUS contests the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Sing time (10.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Stable apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs from a good barrier – has won five times in Singapore and S$250k in prizemoney, but not since March 2022 – meets a good even field here, is down in the weights and has a 2kg claim with a very good rider aboard. Can feature in the finish here and a win would not surprise.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No timed Fortuna Trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 31st January

King Arthur (Nunes) – 800/600 40

Other News

Fortuna has been active at the Karaka Yearling Sales this week with two Filly purchases – one a Two Year Old Type – the other a Staying Type

My brief to David, Mark and Marcus pre sale was that I wanted to buy a Colt or a Filly that would be a definite Karaka Million contender and a Staying type Filly and that we had a budget of up to $120k for each

We struck early on the first day with the Smart Missile Filly (Lot 20) who is our 2yo type (for $80k) and then needed to be a bit patient waiting until day 3 before securing the Eminent Filly (Lot 446) – our Staying type for $75k). Pleasing results over all and our clients have two quite different types to choose from

Read all about Lot 20 below

About The Yearling Filly by Star Witness out of Alana’s Party – “Ali”

Definite Karaka Million Two Year Old type

Lot 20 – the Yearling Filly by the proven Sire STAR WITNESS out of ALANA’S PARTY (By Exceed and Excel) 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 an “early runner”

“Ali” – the Star Witness – Alana’s Party Yearling Filly

Pedigree
ALI has a very strong pedigree. Her Sire, STAR WITNESS, a son of the mighty Starcraft, was a Group One winner in Australia (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and has been a prolific stallion to date producing 467 winners, including 22 Stakes winners. The dam ALANA’S PARTY (by Exceed and Excel) is out of the highly successful NZ racemare, The Party Stand, the winner of 6 races from 1200m to 2000m, including the Group One Bonecrusher NZ Stakes at Ellerslie – this is also the family of Callsign Mav, a dual Group One winner in both NZ and Australia

Click HERE to view Ali’s pedigree

Physical type
A strong, athletic Filly of good size, ALI is physically correct, has a good temperament, has a lovely loose, flowing walk and passed her Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select either a Colt or a Filly that was a strong chance on type and pedigree to be a genuine contender for the Karaka Million 2yo race January 2024 and that would fit within our budget of $120k. As things turned out we were able to strike early in the Sale with this lovely Star Witness Filly – she is a mid September foal, very athletic and looks like a real runner as a 2yo.”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“John Galvin had asked me to find a potential Karaka Million 2yo runner for Fortuna Racing – Lot 20 is a lovely Filly by Star Witness, a proven quality Australian Stallion – I love the fact that she is out of an Exceed and Excel Mare, he is a great broodmare Sire – this girl looks a real early runner who I think can be racing before Christmas and therefore is a genuine contender for the 2024 Karaka Million. The 2nd Dam, The Party Stand, was a very good racemare, with a very stout NZ pedigree, who won up to 2000m – this is the family of Callsign Mav, so there is good depth in the pedigree page. I thought she was great value at just $80,000 and I am looking forward to getting her into work .”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“I really loved this Filly when I first inspected her – she is very athletic, has a lovely walk, certainly looks to have the strength and physical development to run as Two Year Old, but also has the scope to train on as a Three Year Old – there is plenty of speed at the top of her pedigree page, but underlying that is a lot of traditional NZ influence in her bloodlines which is very appealing to me. We have had a lot of success in selecting Karaka Million winners over the past few years and to my eye, this Filly represents an ideal chance of making that race in January 2024”

Ongoing Preparation

Ali is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mis 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, but given that has the appearance of an “early runner” – she will be aimed at one of the early season (August/September 2yo trials.

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

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

Read the Declaration.

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $13,600– 5% share $6,800 – 2.5% share $3,400 – 1% share 1,360 (all pricing in NZ$)
• 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 $11,000
• 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 purchased  Ali today from the ‘Add To Cart’ button on the Fortuna website page HERE

And here below is Lot 446

About The Yearling Filly by Eminent out of Queen Boudicca – “Queenie”

Definite Staying/Oaks type of Filly

Lot 446 – the Yearling Filly by the Stallion EMINENT out of QUEEN BOUDICCA (By Perfectly Ready) 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 staying type”

“Queenie” – the Eminent – Queen Boudicca Yearling Filly

Pedigree

QUEENIE has an excellent pedigree. Her Sire, EMINENT, a son of the mighty Frankel, won twice at Group Level in the UK, ran 4 th in The Derby at Epsom, was placed twice at Group One Level, in the Irish Championship Stakes and the Ranvet Stakes at Royal Randwick. His oldest progeny are now aged Two. He dam, QUEEN BOUDICCA, won as a 2yo and ran 3 rd in the Group 3 Matamata Breeders Stakes and is the dam of three foals to race, including ALOISIA, who won the Group One 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield and the Group Two Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) – notable that she also ran 2 nd in the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) as a 2yo at Eagle Farm

Click HERE to view Queenie’s pedigree

Physical type
A robust, athletic Filly of good size, QUEENIE is physically correct, has a good temperament, has a strong powerful walk and passed her Vet exam without issue – Click HERE to her parading Pre Sale

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“Given the success we have been having with staying types, I had requested our selection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban to select a Filly with a nice pedigree page and with the physical characteristics to develop into a nice stayer.  When they bought Lot 446 to my attention and I saw that she was a half sister to the Group One Caulfield Guineas winner, ALOISIA, I thought we were no show to secure her within our budget of $120k, but remarkably, she was knocked down to our bid of just $75k – sometimes we get lucky.”

Trainer’s view (Mark Walker)

“Lot 446 really caught my eye when I was doing Video inspections – she is a good sized filly with a lovely athletic walk – her Sire Eminent is a well performed son of Frankel and while he has yet to make his mark as a Sire (his oldest progeny are just 2yo’s) he is throwing a lovely type of horse. This Filly’s half sister, ALOISIA (by Azamour) was good enough to win the Group One Caulfield 1000 Guineas over 1600 metres and the Group two Moonee Valley Vase over 2040m, so clearly could get over ground and notable, that as a 2yo she ran 2nd in the Group One JJAtkins Stakes  over 1600m, so was very versatile. I expect that this Filly could well race in the Autumn as 2yo, but she will develop into a lovely NZ 1000 Guineas type as a 3yo and I would also expect her to be a genuine Oaks type of Filly in the Autumn of her 3yo year – she represents great value at $75k, I thought she would make double that.”

Selectors view (David Ellis)

“Re Lot 446, firstly I have a lot of respect for Eminent as a Stallion – his progeny are yet to make a mark but that is because he is never going to throw 2yo types – they simply need more time. As a racehorse he was very competitive among the best of his age group in both the UK and Australia – we have two Eminent 2yo’s in the Stable right now and Mark Walker thinks a lot of them both. His Sire line of Frankel, Galileo and Sadlers Wells is one of the greatest lines of all time and this Filly has a double cross of Danehill as well for good measure. This Filly’s pedigree page on the dam side is also outstanding – Queen Boudicca is the dam of ALOISIA, the winner of the 1000 Guineas (Group One) at Caulfield, an incredibly hard race to win, she also won the Moonee Valley Vase (Group 2) over 2040m and was placed in other Group races as well. The 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th dams all threw Group winners. The Filly herself presents as a strong, well developed type who is a great mover – she clearly is going to get over ground as an older horse and I thought she was exceptional buying for just $75,000.”

Ongoing Preparation
Queenie is now spelling at Te Akau Stud in the Waikato ahead of being broken in (estimate commencement mis 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

Read the Declaration.

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $13,000– 5% share $6,500 – 2.5% share $3,250 – 1% share 1,300 (all pricing in NZ$)
• 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 $11,000
• 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 purchased  Queenie today from the ‘Add To Cart’ button on the Fortuna website page HERE

KNIPPENBERG wins on debut in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

Two hours after the Fortuna Racing galloper, LEADERBOARD, had taken out the 150th running of the iconic Wellington Cup, their 3yo Gelding KNIPPENBERG (I Am Invincible – Red Fez) scored on his debut run in Singapore in the Restricted Maiden 1200 Turf event for prizemoney of S$75,000. Ridden by the evergreen veteran Ronnie Stewart, KNIPPENBERG jumped away well from a good barrier, settled into a nice rhythm one out and one back on a track that was rain affected. Traveling well in the run, Knippenberg was cruising as they turned for home, Stewart asked him for an effort from about the 300m mark and he went to the line a clear winner with a margin of 1.8 lengths in a time of  1.10.32 on a track that was quite rain affected.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Knippenberg’s Trainer, Donna Logan of Te Akau Racing Stables, was over the moon with the result. “Make no bones about it” she said post race, “this horse is a serious galloper – he has shown us a lot from day one, we have asked him for a bit during his first preparation and he has responded in serious fashion every step of the way – he has a bright future here in Singapore. Huge congrats to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing, once again he has picked out a nice tried horse from the Inglis Digital platform – he has made a habit of that over the years and so well done to him and his team of owners,”

Fortuna Director, John  Galvin, watched the race on his cellphone while traveling on the train from Trentham Racecourse in New Zealand back to Wellington – just two hours previously his Irish bred stayer, Leaderboard had won the 32oom Wellington Cup. John reports as follows “Jessica (my wife) and I were on the train heading back to Wellington – we had the Wellington Cup trophy with us – the train was very crowded with race goers who were in a very happy mood after a big day at Trentham – everybody wanted to come and get selfies with the Cup and I announced that we had a runner in Singapore making his debut shortly and that I thought he was a pretty good chance – many jumped on their phones to have a bet and as Knippenberg strode to the lead with 200m to go, the whole carriage descended into absolute chaos with people yelling and screaming – it was a surreal experience. But Knippenberg was very, very good on debut – he has shown Donna and her team a lot since arriving in Singapore and we were quietly confident that he was going to run very boldly on debut – well done to Donna for handling this horse so well and he was given a great ride by Ronnie Stewart”

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 NZKnippenberg is owned by the Fortuna Knippenberg Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 46 indivuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia

Winning connections with Knippenberg and rider Ronnie Stewart after the race

=============================================================

Cups NewsWellington Cup victor Leaderboard will contest the Auckland Cup 3200m Pukekohe Park 11th March. John Galvin reports “Mark Walker and I have decided that “Tiger” will press onto the Auckland Cup, for which he was nominated some months ago. In the past he has not always gone that well right handed, but to be fair, he hasn’t been tried that way for a long time. Now an eight year old and with the 2 mile trip clearly his best distance, he deserves a shot and we don’t want to die wondering. He will go straight into the Cup without a lead up run – he is super fit and Mark will keep him up to the mark with dressage, trackwork, put him over a few jumps and probably an exhibition gallop on a raceday somewhere – Joe Doyle will retain the ride”

Leaderboard will be joined in the Auckland cup by his Fortuna stablemate, the 5yo Racemare, Soprano Supreme – she will contest the Avondale Cup along the way February 18th also at Pukekohe Park – Craig Zackey has been engaged to ride

Wellington Cup media coverage

The 150th running of the iconic Wellington Cup completely escaped the attention of the NZ Herald!!! however the Singapore Straits Times, from 8500 kms away, did not – See their story below from Racing journalist, Michael Lee

In closing, if like me you enjoy a great cup of coffee then look out – the Greenies have you in their sights – see story below – you couldn’t make this stuff up!!!

The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi study, published in the publication The Conversation,called for limiting consumption through an “adapted diet” in order to combat the effects of coffee preparation. “Limiting your contribution to climate change requires an adapted diet, and coffee is no exception. Choosing a mode of coffee preparation that emits less GHGs (greenhouse gases) and moderating your consumption are part of the solution,” the four researchers wrote.

The study noted that coffee users should avoid using hot water when rinsing their coffee cups to reduce “carbon-intensive electricity production.”

Headline News;

Fortuna’s now retired racemare Melody Belle is to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall Of Fame in May 2023

Fortuna Yearling purchase at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, the Filly by Super Seth

Buyer Analytics: who are the best judges?

Fortuna has five runners over the weekend, three in New Zealand, two in Singapore

LEADERBOARD contests the time honoured Wellington Cup at Trentham on Saturday Race 9 @ 5.09pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from Barrier. Recent form is hot great, but has run this distance twice for a 3^rd and a 5^th, so he will get the trip. Does prefer a soft track which is  a possibility on Saturday and should be putting in at the finish when many of the others are done Probably needs rain to be truly competitive here

MALBOROUGH BAY runs in the 330 Set Weight and Penalties event at Taupo on Sunday 29^th – Race 6 @ 3.32pm and will be ridden by  Joe Kamaruddin, claiming 1kg, from Barrier 1. Got no luck in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November and then disappointed when resuming at Te Rapa on New Year’s Day. Talented at best, he can bounce back here to feature in the finish and any easing of the track will assist

NAVALHA contests the R75 1100m – Race 9 @ 5.20pm and will be ridden by Opie Bosson from Barrier 10 – a winner at Riccarton in the Spring, he has been freshened and trialed nicely at Tauranga – this may be a bit short for him and he can be tardy away and has drawn out – will take improvement from this outing but can be in the finish if he is away well and gets luck in running.

Singapore

DECEPTION resumes after a solid year in 2022 with two wins – he contests the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 7 @3pm Sing time (8pm NZT) – will be ridden by Simon Kok from Barrier 8. This strapping son of I Am Invincible has won twice in Singapore and rarely runs a bad race. Drawn out a bit but likes to go back anyway and this race is run on the long course – can feature in the finish here

Here is how the STC tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: WAR PRIDE (1)
All signs through his track work and trials point to the fact that he’s ready to fire first up. Drawn out slightly but gets the services on Nunes this weekend.
2nd Pick: BE YOU (2)
Can be a handful on race day but if he puts it all together, he can win a race like this. Draws to find a nice spot in running and trialed well leading up to this.
3rd Pick: DECEPTION (5)
Another fresh up this weekend. Was really hitting some nice form towards the end of last season and hopefully and can pick right up where he left off.
4th Pick: STRONG N SMART (4)
Recent trial was solid enough. Stable going well at the moment, keep safe in quartets.

KNIPPENBERG makes his raceday debut in the Restricted Maiden 1200m Turf event – Race 5 @2pm Sing time (7pm NZT) – this 3yo son of I Am Invincible has shown a lot of class to date with his trackwork and trials performances and is ready to translate that class into a strong performance on debut – on debut as is the case with several other runners – we have asked a lot of him as he prepared for this race and he delivered – expect a bold performance on debut

Navalha (N Parmar) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.2, home in 37.18.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Tuesday 24^th Jan
Our Final Offer (Awah) – 1000/600 40; Deception (Simon) – 1000/600 42

=======================================================================
Other News

Fortuna’s now retired racemare Melody Belle is to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall Of Fame in May 2023 – see story below by Dennis Ryan – editor of Race Form

And talking of Sales, Fortuna will be active at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale commencing Sunday 29th – post Covid, the International buying bench will be back in strength – there  is a great catalogue on offer – watch this space for our “Breaking News” updates which will come shortly after we make any purchases

David Ellis (Te Akau) — 17.02% stakes winners to purchases

On raw numbers, founder and principal of Te Akau racing in New Zealand — David Ellis — performed as the top purchaser of yearlings globally on our buyer dataset between 2015–2021. We identified 188 yearling purchases, an average spend of $212,872 AUD and with a stakes return of 32 winners (17.02%)
Stakes Winners: Summer Monsoon, Age of Fire, Swing Note, Gold Fever, Embellish, Melody Belle, The Real Beel, Avantage, Sword of Osman, Weaponry, Prise de Fer, In a Twinkling, Al Hasa, Markus Aurelius, Aotea Lad, Probabeel, Festivity, Aromatic, Campionessa, Amarelinha, Seajetz, Cool Aza Beel, Kahma Lass, Noverre, On the Bubbles, Synchronize, Imperatriz, Sword of State, Bright Blue Sky, Wild Night, Lord Cosmos, Dynastic, Need I Say More — Spirited Express (H.K)

James Harron Bloodstock (14.89% stakes winners to purchases)
The team at James Harron Bloodstock enjoyed a very successful return of 21 stakes winners from 141 yearling purchases, with 14 Group winners. Aside from MV Magnier, they were the top average spenders on yearlings within our dataset, but that strong opinion was validated by successful returns. They returned 14.89% stakes winners and 9.93% Group Winners from their buys. 74.47% of purchases were winners, which was the top performing result in our dataset.

Stakes Winners: Attention, Defcon, I Am a Star, Capitalist, Pariah, Gunnison, Khan, Dracarys, Espresso Martini, Sangria, Stronger, King’s Legacy, Argentia, Kalashnikov, Cerberus, Glistening, Crosswinds, Cannonball, Leviathan — Healthy Happy (H.K.), Acatour — Great Honour (H.K.), Detective — Bombay Blitz (H.K.)

McEvoy Mitchell Racing 11.16% stakes winners to purchases
The McEvoy Mitchell Racing team consisting of Tony McEvoy, Calvin McEvoy and Wayne Mitchell performed as our second highest rated buyer on our yearling dataset 2015–2021. In that period we identified that they had purchased 207 yearlings, returning 24 stakes winners for a ratio of 11.59%. All this at an average sales price of $184,797. 89 yearlings from the sample had won at a Metro level, for a 43.0% ratio.

Stakes Winners: She Shao Fly, The Astrologist, Xtravagant Star, Twin Stars — Chiu Chow Spirit, Zoushine, Xilong, Pretty Brazen, Game Keeper, Vinco, Westport, Secret Blaze, Kinky Boom, Classic Weiwei, Despatch, Vinland, Azazel, Nistaan, Over Exposure, Manuel, Fox Hall, Hey Doc, Jackson, Concealer, Stoker, Winning Partner

China Horse Club — 10.81% stakes winners to purchases

We identified China Horse Club as the assigned purchaser on sales dockets, either as individual buyer or as part of a partnership on 333 yearling purchases across Australia and New Zealand between 2015–2021. Founded by Teo Ah Khing as a premier lifestyle offering for the Chinese and Asian market, the operation has enjoyed considerable success since formation with 45 Group 1 wins globally. Credit likely goes to John Warren and Michael Wallace, whom we would understand who have the predominant purchasers of bloodstock for CHC in that period. (Apologies if I missed anyone)
Yearlings purchased performed +7.81% above the market average, returning 36 stakes wins from the 333 buys, for a ratio of 10.81%. Average purchase price however, was higher than other buyers featured here, with an average spend of $370,337 AUD across yearling purchases.
Stakes Winners: Calanda, Russian Revolution, Invader, Goldrush, Emmaus, Siem Riep, Yellow Agate, Taking Aim, Assimilate, Plentiful, Queen of Diamonds, Madison County, Dagmar, Eawase, Paths of Glory, New York Central, Justify, National Flag, Hightail, McLaren, Improbable, Fearless, Bulletin, Prime Star, Market Analysis, Nashville, Aim, Americanrevolution, Tiger of Malay, In the Congo, Volcanic Rock, Life is Good, Cobhfield, France — Encouraging (H.K.), Untamed — Super Buddy (H.K.), Irish Bet — Hong Kong Bet (H.K.)

Guest Selector  – Andrew Castles

Butch is on fire with his selection at Trentham last Saturday, Tavattack, delivering – he is now four wins from five selections
Here is what Butch selects for us this week

“Dear John and Team – Patience is a virtue and we will need plenty of it as my best of the weekend runs in the last race at Taupo Sunday! Wewillrock (Race 9 No 2) is a lightly raced 4yo son of El Roca who has won 3 of his 7 starts and resumes here off an 8 month break. A trial winner over 1000m at Foxton on 17 January he has been responsible for some strong trackwork at Hastings leading into this. I expect a couple of the hardest to beat on paper to be scratched so would advise taking whatever price the TAB put up as early as possible. This is a good horse with plenty of upside- he should be winning Sunday! Best of luck. Butch”