DECEPTION, the four year old gelding by I Am Invincible out of Friday Hussy put a frustrating run of bad luck behind him when scoring a stylish victory at Singapore’s Kranji race track 29th October in the Class 4 1200m Turf event. Ridden by apprentice Simon Kok with a 1kg claim, DECEPTION  had drawn barrier 1 in the 12 horse field. Pre race tactics were for him to go easy from the nice gate and take a sit back in the field on the rail and then race home powerfully at the end. Kok played these tactics to perfection, having DECEPTION three back the rail and traveling nicely on the bridle in the run. Turning for home, there was no immediate clear passage to get into the clear past Strong N Smart, but Simon waited patiently until that horse rolled off the rail and giving DECEPTION some rein, the horse sprinted through on the rail going to the line clear by 3/4 of a length

Click HERE to see the replay.

Trainer Donna Logan, who took her 2022 season total to 56 wins and maintained her lead at the top of the Trainer’s Premiership along with Tim Fitzsimmons, was a relieved trainer post race “That was a great result for this horse and fully deserved – he is a class animal but just hasn’t had his share of luck since winning for the first time back in May – Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin and I discussed tactics before the race and Simon executed them perfectly – well done to John and his Ownership team, they have now had 18 wins in Singapore so far in the season.”

DECEPTION – 2nd Career win – Singapore 29th October 2022 – Simon Kok aboard

John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was over the moon with the result  “That was a very satisfying result – Deception has been so consistent – he has collected a cheque 13 times from his 15 races, but has just not had the rub of the green on so many occasions – top ride by Simon Kok, who rode him to instructions perfectly and well done to Donna and her team, they are true professionals.”

DECEPTION was originally acquired as a yearling by the China Horse Club/Newgate partnership, who fancied him as a Stallion prospect due to his very strong pedigree, for A$750,000 at the 2020 Magic Million Yearling Sale and given to Peter and Paul Snowden to train in Sydney. However after two trials and showing signs of real coltyness, his ownership group decided to sell him unreserved, as they do not race geldings, preferring to focus on Stallion prospects

Fortuna acquired DECEPTION at the April 2021 Inglis Online Sale for just A$65,000, he was  gelded within a couple of days of purchase and shipped to Singapore to race. He has now accumulated S$150,000 in Stakes money in Singapore

DECEPTION is raced by the Fortua Deception Syndicate, an ownership group of 37 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia

Big Day Out for Fortuna Racing on 2000 Guineas Day at Riccarton 5^th November with four runners including two runners in Stakes races

A big crew of Fortuna Syndicate Members, probably around 50 in total, will descend on Riccarton racecourse from all parts of the country this Saturday to attend the first day of the Riccarton carnival. Fortuna Racing has four contenders in four different races with undoubtedly, the 3yo MALBOROUGH BAY (Darci Brahma-Spin ‘N Grin), contending the NZ 2000 Guineas, being the main  attraction. However, LEADERBOARD also features in a Stakes race, that being the time honoured Metropolitan Trophy. DANCARINA and NAVALHA, both recent winners at Riccarton, make up the quartet. Fortuna has not had a runner in the 2000 Guineas since TELL A TALE won in dramatic fashion in 2008.

New Singapore Opportunity – the Charm Spirit – Thurlow 2yo – “Rhett”
 
Just 15% left!!!

 Charm Spirit out of Thurlow 2yo

By Charm Spirit, who is having an exceptional run in Singapore this season and out of the dual Stakes winner, Thurlow (by Sebring), “Rhett” as we have nicknamed him, is a handsome physical type standing at 16 hands and tipping the scales at just over 500 kgs – he has a great pedigree page (see below) and you can view his pre sale Breeze Up gallopHERE and his parade HERE

10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. This includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

Contact John by return email or call/text 021 921 460 for more information. Or Click HERE to order a share direct off the Fortuna website

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December

Yes, it is that time of the year again

Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Race course

Date – Sunday 4^th December

Time – 1pm to 4pm

Format – Meet and Greet, light refreshments, Review of 2022 Calendar Year, Parade of all of the Fortuna Matamata based horses

Special Guest – Mark Walker

New Singapore Opportunity – the Charm Spirit – Thurlow 2yo – “Rhett”

Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Racecourse – Sunday 4^th December

Melbourne Cup Betting Strategy

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DECEPTION runs in the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 11 @ 10pm NZ time (5pm Singapore time) and will be ridden by Simon Kok, claiming 1kg from the Ace barrier draw. A bold 2^nd last start when contesting a Novice event, he carries just 51 kgs here and will get a soft run in behind the speed from his nice draw. Meets a tidy field here but is primed and ready to run another good race here and represents a top three chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday  25^th October

Angels Wings (M Roustoby) worked over 1000 metres in 1.03.4, home in 36.78.

Thursday  27^th October

Mohawk Brave (B King) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.21, home in 39.17.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  22nd October

Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 37.3;

Tuesday  25th^th October

Deception (Simon Kok) – 800/600 40.5;

Other News

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney

2yo Colt by Charm Spirit out of Thurlow

By Charm Spirit, who is having an exceptional run in Singapore this season and out of the dual Stakes winner, Thurlow (by Sebring), “Rhett” as we have nicknamed him, is a handsome physical type standing at 16 hands and tipping the scales at just over 500 kgs – he has a great pedigree page (see below) and you can view his pre sale Breeze Up gallopHERE and his parade HERE

10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. This includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

Contact John by return email or call/text 021 921 460 for more information. Or Click HERE to order a share direct off the Fortuna website

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December

Yes, it is that time of the year again and after two Covid affected years with attendances affected due to lockdowns, the powers that be have been kind enough to give us our freedoms back!!! and we are looking forward to hosting our usual 100 plus attendees.
Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Race course
Date – Sunday 4^th December
Time – 1pm to 4pm
Format – Meet and Greet, light refreshments, Review of 2022 Calendar Year, Parade of all of the Fortuna Matamata based horses

Special Guest – Mark Walker

John’s Melbourne Cup Betting Strategy

Wow, the first Tuesday in Melbourne is upon us. The “day that stops a nation” has a rich history and even those with little interest in racing often get involved in workplace sweepstakes and the like.

With 24 runners and form lines that are hard to read, the Melbourne Cup provides great dividends; it is not hard to get double figure odds on all but the first two or three favourites and who can forget the First four dividend of the 2012 event, paying just a touch under $1 million for a $1 unit.

John Galvin here below outlines a suggested betting strategy for the Melbourne Cup. It is a strategy that both the “experienced” and “mug” punter can apply to this great event.

The objective is to, as a minimum, get back all or some of the initial outlay and at a maximum “scoop the pool” – Suggested Capital outlay $100. Not a small amount of money for many, but, hey, this is the Melbourne Cup.

First Step
Select Nine Horses from the Twenty Four Starters and label these horses in your order of preference  A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I

Second Step. Place Bets as follows
Win and Place Bets. Horses A and B  $10 to Win and $10 to Place on each. If A and/or B Wins or runs a Place, you will collect. Cost of these bets = $40

Quinella Bets. To win on this bet, you must have the 1st and second runners on your ticket in either finishing order. Select A as an Anchor and B through to I to run 2nd. Select B as an anchor and A though to I to run second.  If either A or B runs first or second and one of the anchors runs first or second you will collect. Bet $1 units.  Cost of these bets = $16.

Trifecta Bet. Here your bet is to be a percentage bet of 25%. This means that if you are successful, you will receive 25% of the declared trifecta Dividend. Select horses ABC to run 1st, ABCDE to run 2nd and ABCDEFG to run 3rd. Total Units=60, Cost of bet @ 25% = $15

First Four Bet. This is the “biggie”. Again your bet will be a percentage bet; this time for 8%. Select ABC to run 1st, ABCDE to run 2nd, ABCDEFG to run 3rd and ABCDEFGHI to run fourth.  Total Units=360, Cost of Bet @ 8% = $29.

So, how would you have done in the 2021 event if you had used this betting strategy? Notable that the first three home last year were “in” the market, so the 2021 divvies were modest by comparison with previous years

Well, the winner, Verry Elleegant, paid $16.50 for the win and $4.50 for the place so a $10 each way bet on her would have returned 210

The quinella paid $21.80 so if you had 1st and 2nd home, you would have collected a further $21.80

The trifecta paid $386 so with all the right numbers on your ticket a 25% percentage bet would have returned $96.50 for the $15 outlay

The First 4 paid $5,413 so an 8% percentage bet would have returned $433 for the $29 outlay if you had the right numbers on your ticket

I trust you get the idea; it is a great way of spreading a reasonable outlay of $100 on the day and, at the very least, having a bit of fun; at best, you may have a five or even six figure collect.

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Good morning John and Team

I’ve been in Melbourne since with the majority of the tour since Wednesday and it’s all been rain, rain and more rain!

Despite that I’m looking forward to the wonderful racing that’s in store over the next week.
Before I pass you my Derby Day pick of the day it’s probably fair to say that last week’s tip, Duke of Plumpton, who ran at Trentham on Sunday, had next up written all over him.
He settled in the rear in a strung out field over 1400m and would have been standing up the leaders 15-20 lengths on the turn but he hit the line solidly without being really extended to record the fastest all over sectionals in 6th place.

Paste him in your hat. I spoke with Kevin Myers after the race and he’s setting him for a mile at Riccarton over Cup week.

Tomorrow with the expected wet track at Flemington I’m going for a price with Grand Impact in the Coolmore. He’s unbeaten and won the Blue Sapphire in good style at Caulfield. All three of his wins have been on rain affected tracks so he won’t be worried about the expected damp conditions at Flemington up the straight six. He’s tacking the straight course for the first time but my spies told me that he had a very soft jump out there last Friday to familiarise himself. At $9 and $3, one unit over two makes sense.

Good punting both in NZ and in Australia.

P.s. For the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday I haven’t completely made up my mind but I have a strong feeling for JMac’s ride, Loft, the German import. German runners have the best strike rate this century in the race. In fact there may be another who competed but only two German horses come to mind who have run in the Cup, the winners, Protectionist (2014) and Almandin (2016).

Headline News;

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney – shares filling quickly but still some left

Singapore 2021 Champion Jockey, Hakim Kamaruddin to boost New Zealand riding ranks

Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December

Fortuna has seven runners this weekend, five in NZ and two in Singapore
 
New Zealand  – Saturday 22nd

LEADERBOARD runs in  the R83 2400 at Te Rapa – Race 4 @ 2.05pm – will be ridden by Opie Bosson. Yet to greet the judge this season but now gets to the right trip. A dead set staying type, he is on a NZ Cup path – course and distance winner – he should be running home strongly here.

RUBICON CROSSING contests the 2yo 800m event down the Riccarton chute – Race 4 @1.10pm – Lisa Allpress to ride. Impressive winner on debut at Wanganui in September. Showed great speed on debut on a Heavy track – will get a much firmer track here which will suit her natural ability. Strong each way chance

DANCARINA runs in the R75 1200 at Riccarton – Race 7 @ 2.58pm and will be ridden by Lisa Allpress from a mid field draw. This classy 4yo daughter of Sebring won impressively this track and trip in R65 grade in September before running 3^rd same track and trip when up to R75 grade 1^st October – track was quite wet that day. Will get a much better surface on Saturday and is a top 3 contender in this

MALBOROUGH BAY  contests the Group 3 War Decree Stakes over 1600m at Riccarton – Race 8 @ 3.33pm – Lisa Allpress to ride from Barrier 1. Two Riccarton starts over 1000m and 1400m have resulted in two 3rds for this son of Darci Brahma – struck a wettish track on 1^st October and was inclined to over race. Gets up to the mile this time and on a surface more to his liking – will get a soft run in behind the speed from his soft draw – meets some talented gallopers here but a bold run is expected – can feature in the First 4

KHAFEEF runs at Trentham on Sunday 23^rd, contesting the R75 2200m event – Race 6 @ 3.05pm – will be ridden by Ashvin Mudhoo – not a wet track horse, he has struck nothing other than those in recent starts. Made his Hurdles debut for a 3^rd placing 2^nd October. Holds a nomination for the NZ Cup, but is on a rating of 67 and would probably need to win on Sunday to have a realistic chance of making the Cup field. Track is a Soft 7 Thursday and drying. A hard pulling type, he always needs to be taken on trust, but has got to a dangerous place in the weights and can feature here

Singapore – Saturday 22^nd

OLYMPIA contests the Class 5 1000m event – Race 3 @ 1pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Singapore’s leading apprentice Fadzli Yusoff claiming 2kgs from an inside draw – this fellow always tries hard and rarely runs a bad race, but a succession of wide draws and a couple of ill judged rides have conspired to keep him out of the winners circle – gets his chance here with a lovely draw, a light weight and his favourite trip – definite top 3 chance and can win!!

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: QAIDOOM (1)
Started her career in winning style in the Open Maiden race, albeit in a lighter weight then. Had a couple of placings in the Class 4 company. Well placed here with M Ibrahim’s 4kg claim will help to reduce the burden on the back.
2nd Pick: GOLD CUT (6)
Managed to win his first win after a few strong placing in the maiden company. Was largely disappointing in the betting field but with some ability. Should be in the finish again.
3rd Pick: KNIGHT LOVE (7)
He might be small in size but made up with his tenacity. With champion Jockey on board, can continue with his good run.
4th Pick: OLYMPIA (9)
Only managed to get one win in his career so far. However, that was in the same class and distance in similar weight. Had kept his form since, and now in the good hand of leading apprentice jockey, F Yusoff. Can be competitive.

ROCKY runs in the Class 4 1200 Poly event – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Singapore time (8.30pm NZT) with Yusoff in the saddle – 5 starts for 1 win and 4 minor placings have been the lot of this handsome 4yo son of El Roca. Still learning the game, he was freshened after his last start, was a strong trial winner 11^th October and gets into this race with just 50.5kgs. A progressive type he can be competitive here, but does meet a strong field of older, more seasoned runners and has an outside barrier draw to contend with – will need luck and a canny ride to feature

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  18^th October

Mohawk Brave (C Grylls) worked over 1000 metres in 1.08.13, home in 40.06.
Leaderboard (N Parmar) worked over 1200 metres in 1.20.2, home in 40.7.

Thursday  20^th October

No Fortuna timed trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  15^th October

Olympia (Aslam) – 800/600 36;

Tuesday  18^th October

Rocky (Bayliss) – 800/600 40;

Other News

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney – shares filling quickly but still some left On Tuesday 11^th October, we secured the Charm Spirit – Thurlow Colt – Lot 79 for A$80,000 from the Inglis Ready 2 Race sale in Sydney – our Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan was down from Singapore for the sale and she had identified this Colt as a “must buy” – this after inspecting every horse on the Sales ground pre sale – she had picked out five potential purchases for us to consider – Lot 79 (who was Donna’s No 1 preference) was the first to go through the ring. We were not confident that we could secure him as the vendor had paid A$65,000 for him at the Inglis Premier Yearling sale in Melbourne and our budget was A$80,000 but in the end we prevailed. This horse is to be gelded and will be sent to Singapore to race

Physical Type – a strong, athletic type standing just under 16 hands and tipping the scales at 496 kgs, he is a lovely physical specimen.

He was broken in April/May of 2022 and then given his first stable preparation, then paddock spelled for  four weeks before then being given a pre Sales preparation culminating in a Breeze Up Gallop ahead of the Sale.

Click HERE to see his Breeze up Callop

Click HERE to see his pre sale Parade

Pedigree – by the Irish Bred Group One winning CHARM SPIRIT, the Sire of over 290 winners, including 15 Stakes winners, he is out of the dual Stakes winning (in Victoria)  Mare, THURLOW (by Sebring), this is a very strong pedigree page. Interesting to note that Donna currently has two up and comers in her Stable by Charm Spirit, the Te Akau syndicated 4yo Charminton (3 wins, 3 2nds from 5 starts) and the Kylie Bax syndicated 3yo Luxury Brand (2 wins, 2 2nds from 5 starts)

Click HERE to see his pedigree.

Vetting – this Colt had his X Rays and Scope inspected by our Singapore Vet, Dr Dan Shaw, who declared his X Rays clean and he was a Grade One (highest grade) on his scope and our very good Matamata Vet, Dr Ronan Costello, was at the sales ground – he undertook a physical inspection for us and passed him with No Significant Findings, commenting that he would benefit from Gelding (which we would be doing anyway) and that he was probably still 6 months away from being fully mature (which Donna had already identified as well) – and is going to be about 6 months before he would have his first trial anyway

Ongoing Plans – after  being  gelded and receiving his Singapore vaccinations, he will agist at a farm in Victoria and will travel to Singapore late December – he will quarantine there for two weeks and then join his stablemates at the Te Akau Racing Stables at Kranji race track where Donna will get him ready for racing. Assuming that he exits Singapore quarantine early January, he could be ready to have his first Singapore trial (they are required to have two Singapore trials before racing) mid April – still a 2yo at that point, he will be eligible for any 2yo races at that time (the 2023 Singapore calendar is still being finalised) but will also be eligible (as a 2yo) for Restricted Maiden Grade racing, a grade which carries S$75k of prize money (approx NZ$90k at current exchange rate).

Note that he is also eligible for this Grade as a 3yo and once winning in that Grade he is eligible for Novice Grade (for 1 win horses), also for prizemoney of  S$75k  – notable that the Fortuna 4yo, Trident, who has had 4 Singapore starts for 2 wins and 2 2nds, has won in both Restricted Maiden and Novice grades and has accumulated S$104k in stakes to date – this is why we love racing in Singapore!!!

Donna says

“John, you have made me a very happy Singapore Trainer – I had a very open mind during inspections, but I kept coming back to this fellow – he is a lovely physical type who vetted well and who will benefit immensely from the two month break he will have in NSW before flying to Singapore – I wasn’t sure if we could get him for your budget, but the sale was quite patchy and we clearly got lucky. My two Charm Spirits in Singapore are taking all before them and there is no reason why this boy cannot do the same.”

Charm Spirit Colt in action

Terms – all up this Colt will be fully syndicated for NZ$152,000 – this includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – 10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

As I am sure you are only too well aware, Fortuna Racing has had a great run in Singapore in recent years (19 wins in 2021 and 17 so far in 2022) – we seem to be buying the right type of horse for Singapore conditions and of course, Donna Logan is currently the leading Trainer in Singapore with her team firing on all cylinders

Disclosure Statement & Agreement

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

Read the Declaration.

Terms

The all up syndicated cost is NZ $152,000 – this includes purchase price, freight to Singapore, Promoters fees, insurance through to January 2024 and just over $14,000 of working capital.

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $15,200 – 5% share  $7,600– 2.5% share $3,800 – 1% share $1,520 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Transport to Singapore, Insurance through to 31st January 2024, and Working Capital of $14,000 approx
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st January 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 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

Applications can only be made after Investors have perused and signed the NZ Thoroughbred Racing approved Disclosure Statement. This can be obtained from the Syndicate Promoter, Fortuna Ltd (Director John Galvin).

Fortuna Ltd is an Authorised Syndicator in accordance with the Code of Practice administered by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (Inc) established under The Financial Markets Conduct (Equine Bloodstock) Exemption Notice 2016. Details of this Offer are contained in the Disclosure Statement relating to the Offer

Purchase a share in CHARM SPIRIT 2yo today from the link HERE or email john@fortuna-nz.com for more information.

Hakim Kamaruddin to join the New Zealand jockey ranks.

Singapore Champion Jockey Hakim Kamaruddin is set to bolster the riding ranks in New Zealand. Indentured to Te Akau trainer Mark Walker in Singapore, Kamaruddin (24) joined Walker with honours last year when winning both Champion Apprentice and Champion Jockey titles.

Capturing both awards exemplified the ability of Kamaruddin, in just his second season riding, a feat not achieved since 1995 when Benny Woodworth won both titles as an apprentice in Singapore. During a four-month break earlier this year, Kamaruddin returned home to Kelantan, Malaysia, where he spent most of his time flying kites.

Mark Walker has always held Kamaruddin in high regard and the nine-time Champion Trainer (five NZ, four Singapore) welcomes the addition to his team. “It was a remarkable achievement to win both titles in his first full season of riding and just shows how much natural talent he has as a rider,” Walker said. “He should have no trouble adapting to New Zealand conditions and he’s going to be a permanent fixture here so he’ll keep improving. He’s arriving in the next week and we’ll kick him off at the trials before he gets out there on race days, but it’s exciting to have a jockey of his ability coming to New Zealand and we’re all looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

Since Walker returned to New Zealand to start training again on 1 April, Kamaruddin has been apprenticed to Te Akau’s Singapore trainer Donna Logan who leads the premiership with 54 wins this year.

John says “Hakim has ridden a lot of winners for us in Singapore and given how thin the riding ranks are here in NZ at present, particularly with riders who can ride light, he is going to be a very valuable addition.”

Fortuna Annual Owners Day – Matamata Race Course – Sunday 4^th December
 
Yes, it is that time of the year again and after two Covid affected years with attendances restricted due to lockdowns, the powers that be have been kind enough to give us our freedoms back!!! and we are looking forward to hosting our usual 100 plus attendees.

Venue – Epsom Lounge – Matamata Race course
Date – Sunday 4^th December
Time – 1pm to 4pm
Format – Meet and Greet, light refreshments, Review of 2022 Calendar Year, Parade of all of the Fortuna Matamata based horses
Special Guest – Mark Walker

Registration – it is important that you register with your numbers attending – please do that by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com or you can call or text Jessica 021 288 6997

Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 
Hi John and Team Fortuna

In hindsight our group one selection last week wasn’t hard and it was very much an easy watch as Mustang Valley literally streeted the opposition on the rain affected Hastings track in the Livamol. I hear now that the hot to trot Andrew Forsman is now seeking further spoils with her as she heads to Melbourne for a crack at the big time at Flemington in either the group one Champions Stakes over 2000m on November 5 or the group two Matriarch Stakes also over 2000m on the same day.

Any retention of water at Flemington will be to her advantage and the odds will certainly be a lot more than the $2.70 we received last weekend. Speaking of Australia I’ll be over next week for 10 or 11 days with a group of 80 to see some of the best racing on the planet, culminating of course with the Melbourne Cup.

A few on board may well be Fortuna clients and I’m sure they’ll have an unforgettable experience both on and off the track!  It’d be fair to say the spring carnival is as good as it gets with so many black type races and the influx of the very best license holders in the business.

While next week I’ll earmark one or two to follow on Derby Day at Flemington I’ll stick to the home base this week with a sneaky at Trentham in race 7.

Have a good look at Duke of Plumpton. The odds should be attractive. He’s back from racing in Australia to rejoin the Kevin Myers stable, who trained him at the start of his career.

I had a good look at his trial last Tuesday and was suitably impressed. He wasn’t really knocked around by the young rider, Toni Davies, who is booked to have her first official ride on him on Sunday. I’d say she’s well schooled under the expert tuition of Duke of Plumpton’s trainer.

In the trial Duke of Plumpton was ridden back but darted through without too much stress for a close up second. He hasn’t raced since Mornington back in August and while his form of late has been in middle distance races there’s genuine expectations by me that the 1400m with cut in the ground won’t be beyond him. He’s won first up over this distance in the past, three times to be precise both here and in Australia.

I have no idea what odds the TAB bookies will put up but I’d like to think it’d be around the 8 to 10 dollar mark.

Good punting! Des

Headline News;

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney

Jamie Richards scores his 1^st Hong Kong winner with the former Fortuna owned Handsome Rebel

Fortuna has seven runners this weekend, three in NZ and four in Singapore

New Zealand  – Saturday 15^th

NAVALHA contests the R75 1400 at Ashburton – Race 10 @ 5.16pm – will be ridden by Jason Laking. A strong winner at Riccarton R65 1200 in September, he ran 4^th R75 1200 1^st Oct on a track that was softer than he would have liked. 1400m suits and will be hard to hold out if track conditions continue to firm

Singapore – Saturday 15^th

DECEPTION runs in the Novice 1200m Turf event – Race 6 at 2.30 pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) – Simon Kok, claiming 1kg to ride from an outside draw. A talented galloper, he has had a frustrating run of bad luck in recent runs. Ridden upside down last time, he will be ridden more conservatively this time. Can feature in the top three here
Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: EJAZ (8)
His two starts have been impressive with his last start victory really catching the eye. He comes into this with a lightweight and a small field is big advantage. He is an exciting youngster. Nunes on and jumps from barrier two.
2nd Pick: WINNING STRIDE (3)
Started his career in winning style on the Polytrack last start. Looks to be a nice horse who should work his way up the classes. Duric takes over the reins and will get plenty of support from that.
3rd Pick: MONTANA FLASH (1)
Scored an Open Maiden win two starts ago and was defeated by his stablemate Trident at his next run. Has since trialed nicely and one of the few strong Logan hopes in this field.
4th Pick: DECEPTION (4)
Just the one win to his name but does have plenty of strong form around his name. Must be considered as an exotics finisher if he brings his best performance this weekend.

TRIDENT runs in the Class 4 1400m Turf event – Race 9 at 4 pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) – will be ridden by Apprentice Rosman Iskandar, claiming 2kgs, from Barrier 3. Four Singapore starts for two wins and two 2nds says it all for this 4yo son of Deep Field. Just run down closing stages 24^th Sept after being pushed wide on the turn, he gets his chance to go one better here. On paper should prove very hard to beat

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: TRIDENT (2)
Draws a good gate once again and looks to be a horse progressing through the grades nicely. Should be in the finish again.
2nd Pick: IRONCHAMP (1)
Hasn’t drawn a gate once again and will have to work early to find the top but he should be in front for a long way, maybe all the way if he gets an easy lead.
3rd Pick: IMPLEMENT (7)
Great performance in behind Mr Black Back. Race was run in good time so it should hold up, looks a big lightweight threat.
4th Pick: NO MORE DELAY (8)
If you like Implement and the form behind him, No More Delay comes out of the same race. Has been knocking on the door to win again, place hope.

KERMAJACK also runs in the Class 4 1400m Turf event – Race 9 at 4 pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) and will be ridden by Jake Bayliss. First start back from wind surgery, he is a staying type who will get better the further he goes. Will be ridden quietly and we are looking for him to be running home strongly – a close up finish would surprise

BRUTUS contests the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 11 at 5 pm Singapore time (10pm NZT). A five time winner in Singapore, he has not won since March, but been racing well of late. Jumps from Barrier 3 and Jerlyn Seow takes 3kgs off his back. Back to a rating where he can win, he represents a very strong top 3 chance here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: AFTERMATH (4)
His two most recent runs in class 4 since heading up to the grade have been solid despite poor barrier draws. Great chance to win here now he finally draws a gate and gets a senior rider in the saddle.
2nd Pick: BRUTUS (1)
Weight relief could come in handy here for Brutus who has been racing incredibly well of late in the grade without picking up a cheque. Draws well, respect.
3rd Pick: DR KARDO (5)
Last start performance was a pass mark. 1100m would be better than 1200m but with a rolling tempo in the run, he should be looming late, big watch.
4th Pick: MINI FORCE X (2)
First run for new stable, track work and preparations have been solid. Good enough to win at class 4 but just hasn’t found his best form since arriving in Singapore.

New Zealand – Rotorua – Sunday 16th

SOPRANO SUPREME races in the Staphanos Classis, a Listed event over 1950 metres – Race 7 at 4.50 pm – will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin claiming 1kg – a talented galloper, she disappointed last start over 1600m at Ruakaka, possibly due to a shifty track. A two time winner on this track in the Autumn over 1950m and 2200m, the step up in trip will suit, she gets in on the minimum and aided by a 1kg claim as well. She rates a top four chance in this event

HAYATE races in the R65 over 1215 metres – Race 6 at 4.15 pm – to be ridden by Craig Grylls – a strong Maiden winner on debut at Matamata in May, this well bred daughter of Maurice disappointed when resuming at Taupo in August when we were expecting better – has been freshened since. Take on trust but gets a nice draw here and an in form rider and can feature in the finish if back to her best.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday  11^th October

Soprano Supreme (O Bosson) worked over 1200 metres in 1.33.5, home in 36.5.
Hayate (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.67, home in 37.8.
Thursday  13^th October

Hayate (M Roustoby) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.1, home in 40.7.
Soprano Supreme (L Macnab) worked over an easy 1200 metres in 1.15.24, home in 43.6.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 11th October
Hayate (J Kamaruddin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.67, home in 37.8.

Angels Wings (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.02.6, home in 36.58.

Inca Belle (R Sheehan) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.2, home in 37.74.

Thursday 13th OctoberHayate (M Roustoby) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.1, home in 40.7.

Soprano Supreme (L Macnab) worked over an easy 1200 metres in 1.15.24, home in 43.6.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  8^th October

Trident (Yusoff) – C, 1000/600 39.4; Deception (Aslam) – 1000/600 36.2; Rocky (Jake) – 1000/600 38.2;

Tuesday  11^th October

Brutus (Jerlyn) – 800/600 41.3; Kermajack (Aslam) – 800/600 36.3; Trident (Jake) – 800/600 43.9; Deception (Simon) – 800/600 41.4; Entertainer (Nunes) – 800/600 40.1;

Other News

Fortuna secures a Charm Spirit Colt for Singapore Racing at the Inglis R2R Sale in Sydney

2yo Colt by Charm Spirit out of Thurlow

On Tuesday of this week, we secured the Charm Spirit – Thurlow Colt – Lot 79 for A$80,000 from the Inglis Ready 2 Race sale in Sydney – Donna Logan was down from Singapore for the sale and she had identified this Colt as a “must buy” – this after inspecting every horse on the Sales ground Sunday and Monday – she had picked out five potential purchases for us to consider – Lot 79 (who was Donna’s No 1 preference) was the first to go through the ring. We were not confident that we could secure him as the vendor had paid A$65,000 for him at the Inglis Premier Yearling sale in Melbourne and our budget was A$80,000 but in the end we prevailed. This horse will be gelded immediately and will be sent to Singapore to race

Physical Type – a strong, athletic type standing just under 16 hands and tipping the scales at 496 kgs, he is a lovely physical specimen.

Click HERE to see the catalogue page which contains the pedigree page and also the Breeze up Video, a Breeze up Day Video Clip, a Parade Clip and a clip showing some of his preparation.

Pedigree – by the Irish Bred Group One winning CHARM SPIRIT, the Sire of over 290 winners, including 15 Stakes winners, he is out of the dual Stakes winning (in Victoria)  Mare, THURLOW (by Sebring), this is a very strong pedigree page. Interesting to note that Donna currently has two up and comers in her Stable by Charm Spirit, the Te Akau syndicated 4yo Charminton (3 wins, 3 2nds from 5 starts) and the Kylie Bax syndicated 3yo Luxury Brand (2 wins, 2 2nds from 5 starts)

Vetting – this Colt had his X Rays and Scope inspected by our Singapore Vet, Dr Dan Shaw, who declared his X Rays clean and he was a Grade One (highest grade) on his scope and our very good Matamata Vet, Dr Ronan Costello, was at the sales ground – he undertook a physical inspection for us and passed him with No Significant Findings, commenting that he would benefit from Gelding (which we would be doing anyway) and that he was probably still 6 months away from being fully mature (which Donna had already identified as well) – and is going to be about 6 months before he would have his first trial anyway

Ongoing Plans – he will be gelded in the next few days, plus get his Singapore vaccinations and will travel to Singapore late December – he will quarantine there for two weeks and then join his stablemates at the Te Akau Racing Stables at Kranji race track where Donna will get him ready for racing. Assuming that he exits Singapore quarantine early January, he could be ready to have his first Singapore trial (they are required to have two Singapore trials before racing) mid April – still a 2yo at that point, he will be eligible for any 2yo races at that time (the 2023 Singapore calendar is still being finalised) but will also be eligible (as a 2yo) for Restricted Maiden Grade racing, a grade which carries S$75k of prize money (approx NZ$90k at current exchange rate.

Note that he is also eligible for this Grade as a 3yo and once winning in that Grade he is eligible for Novice Grade (for 1 win horses), also for prizemoney of  S$75k  – notable that the Fortuna 4yo, Trident, who has had 4 Singapore starts for 2 wins and 2 2nds, has won in both Restricted Maiden and Novice grades and has accumulated S$104k in stakes to date – this is why we love racing in Singapore!!!

Donna says “John, you have made me a very happy Singapore Trainer – I had a very open mind during inspections, but I kept coming back to this fellow – he is a lovely physical type who vetted well and who will benefit immensely from the two month break he will have in NSW before flying to Singapore – I wasn’t sure if we could get him for your budget, but the sale was quite patchy and we clearly got lucky. My two Charm Spirits in Singapore are taking all before them and there is no reason why this boy cannot do the same.”

Terms – all up this Colt will be fully syndicated for NZ$152,000 – this includes Purchase price, Promoters Fees, Vetting costs, Transport to Singapore, Insurance paid to 31 Jan 2024 and working capital of just under $14k – 10% share = $15,200, 5% share = $7,600, 2.5% share = $3,800 and 1% share = $1,520. And then $40 per month per each 1% share from 1 Jan 2023

As I am sure you are only too well aware, Fortuna Racing has had a great run in Singapore in recent years (19 wins in 2021 and 17 so far in 2022) – we seem to be buying the right type of horse for Singapore conditions and of course, Donna Logan is currently the leading Trainer in Singapore with her team firing on all cylinders

At this stage ahead of finalising our paperwork, we are taking expressions of interest.

All you need to do is to respond to this update HERE expressing interest (please provide your preferred percentage) –  Official syndication paperwork will be finalised over the next few days and once done, those who have expressed interest will have the opportunity to peruse the Disclosure material and make a final decision to proceed at that point.

Jamie Richards scores his 1^st Hong Kong winner with the former Fortuna owned Handsome Rebel

A remarkable outcome for Jamie at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening – not so much remarkable because he trained his first winner – that was always going to happen, but remarkable because he did it with Handsome Rebel, a Fortuna syndicated horse he had formerly trained in New Zealand when in partnership with Stephen Autridge

Handsome Rebel had been acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna racing at the 2017 Gold Coast yearling sale for A$65k.A natural 2yo type, he had four 3rds in a row after making his debut in December of his 2yo year – two of those 3^rd placing were in Group 3 races at Matamata and New Plymouth – he then won a Maiden race at Matamata before running a tidy 4^th in the Group One Sires Produce at Awapuni ( the race was won by the Te Akau star filly, Avantage). Subsequently, we received an offer from Hong Kong for NZ$450k – the deal went through and “Jordie” was off to HK. He certainly has not covered himself in glory up there with just one Hong Kong win in the hands of local trainer Y S Tsui, that win in September 2020, but he was transferred to Jamie’s Stable a couple of months ago and Jamie has worked the oracle with him it would seem – Race replay can be seen HERE

Of further note, Jamie’s last winner in New Zealand was the Fortuna owned Ragamuffin on the 30^th March

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Hi John and The Fortuna Team

Sadly our selection,  Outfit,  missed out completely on Saturday but further investigation clarified what went wrong. She pulled up mildly lame (1/5) in the right foreleg. I felt because she didn’t let down there had to be something!

This weekend I heading to Hastings for the main race of the day, the Livamol Classic. It’s hard to go past Mustang Valley. She’s seasoned, she appreciates wet ground and she has last season’s champion jockey in Michael McNab on board. What’s not to like about her claiming the group one. Her run behind La Crique last week was massive. She was slow away but attacked the line with great gusto over the 1600m and she’s now ready to win over 2000m. She’s never been out of the money on a heavy track. I know her price is relatively short at $2.70 but as the saying goes a small priced winner is better than a long priced loser.

If you like playing the exotics don’t leave out the progressive Soldier Boy off your quinella, trifecta and first 4 ticket. It’s a big rise in class, I know, but he has been faultless in his last two in tough going under big weights. Do not lose sight that he ran 4th in the NZ Derby this year! I’ll be playing the favourite to win but I’ll have something small on Soldier Boy on the nose with a good play on the place market.

Good Punting
Des

Jamie Richards made his debut as a Hong Kong Trainers sending three runners to Happy Valley races on Wednesday evening

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Fortuna has two runners on Saturday –  one in NZ and one in Singapore
 
New Zealand – Matamata – Saturday 8th

LEADERBOARD contests the Open 2000m event – Race 10 @ 4.09pm – Opie Boson to ride from Barrier 6. Disappointed at New Plymouth last start 1800m but did strike a sticky track which may be his excuse – on path to NZ Cup and this race suits as part of the build up. 2000m may be a bit short, but gets a top rider and track conditions to suit – should be running on strongly – place chance

Singapore – Saturday

OLYMPIA runs in the Class 5 1000m Poly – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Sing time (8.30pm NZT) – Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow, claiming 3kgs, rides from barrier 8 – Was a tearaway leader last start and could not sustain the run. Has been a very consistent performer – will be ridden more conservatively this time – can feature at odds

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday  4^th October

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore
 
Saturday  1^st October

Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 1000/600 36.5; Olympia (Yusoff) – 800/600 37.5; Rocky (Jake) – 800/600 39;

Tuesday  4^th October

Deception (Aslam) – 1000/600 36.5;

Other News

KING ARTHUR wins again in Singapore – his 9^th career win in exactly 12 months breaking the Class record in the process – see full story below;

Fortuna’s KING ARTHUR imperious again in Singapore securing his 9th career victory – 2nd October

The five year old Gelding KING ARTHUR (by I Am Invincible out of Pentasia) who had already secured eight wins in Singapore since 2nd October 2021, lifting his rating from 52 to 101 in the process, demonstrated that he deserved to sit among the current elite thoroughbreds in Singapore when taking out the Kranji A Stakes 1200m Turf event, smashing the Class record in the process. Drawn nicely in Barrier 2, the Te Akau Racing Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, had King Arthur away well and was content to lob along in 4th place one off the rail and in behind a hot pace set by two tear away leaders in Sky Eye and Illustrious. Turning for home, King Arthur was still 4 lengths adrift of Sky Eye, but Yusoff got busy on him and was able to get his head in front of a gallant Sky Eye, going to the line with a half length margin in a winning and Class record time of 1.08.51.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Te Akau Racing’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, who was hosting Te Akau Racing Principal, David Ellis, visiting from New Zealand, was over the moon. “Gee, he is well named, this horse isn’t he, he is a real super star in our stable – fabulous effort by the horse and a lovely ride by Yusoff, who just rides him so well. My heart is bursting with pride with the great result for the horse and all of the staff who just love him to bits. Its just fabulous as well to have the big boss of Te Akau Racing, David Ellis here to see this result on top of our other winner, Charmington, earlier in the day, a horse that David acquired and sent up to Singapore. And what a fantastic result for John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing team of Owners – the Fortuna Racing Stable has now had 17 wins in Singapore in 2022, 7 of them courtesy of King Arthur – they have been great supporters of Singapore Racing for many years and deserve every success that they get.”

“King Arthur” – Win #9 – 2nd October 2022

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, who had been on hand in Singapore in July when King Arthur had last won, was watching the race from his home in New Zealand. “Wow, that was just awesome to watch – on paper he was the horse to beat, but they still have to do it and to be fair, he was probably still one race away from being fully fit, so to come out and win again like this is just a fabulous result for the horse, Donna Logan, her stable staff and my wonderful team of Owners. And full marks to Yusoff, he has really matured this year as a rider – he was content to let King Arthur relax even when the leaders had got away to a decent break.”

Te Akau Principal David Ellis, Fadzli Yusoff and Donna Logan post race

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after two race day starts and not meeting their expectations, they decided to put him on the market and he was purchased by John Galvin on the advice of former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000. He is raced by The Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$442,000 with nine wins, six 2nds and two thirds from 22 starts in Singapore.

David Ellis returns from a successful visit to review the Singapore operation

Te Akau principal David Ellis has returned from a 6 day visit to Singapore to review the Te Akau Racing Stables operation and conduct talks with Senior Officials from the Singapore Turf Club. David attended the race meeting on October 2^nd and was on hand to join the celebrations with two Stable runners, firstly the Te Akau Racing syndicated Charmington winning for the 3^rd time in Singapore and Fortuna Racing’s King Arthur, who took out the feature race on the program, giving him 9 victories in exactly 12 months.

David was delighted to see Te Akau Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan in the hunt for the premiership. “I can’t speak highly-enough of the job that she is doing and the quality of our Kranji team,” he said. “Everybody involved in Singapore racing loves Donna, she is very popular. For her to be in front in the premiership after only being there for four years and just her first year at the helm of the Te Akau operation is an enormous credit to her.”
“All of our stable runners presented in great order and it is clear to me that all of our horses in Singapore are in great hands.

“It was a big thrill for me to see a horse that I purchased and syndicated by Karyn, Charmington, win for the 3^rd time from just five starts and Fortuna Racing’s King Arthur was just super in winning the big race on the day – John Galvin’s Fortuna Racing Team is just flying in Singapore with 17 wins for the year and in hot contention to be the leading Owner for the 2022 year – John has supported Te Akau with its Singapore operation from day one in 2010 which is great to see”

David also met with Senior officials from the STC and came away from those meetings with a renewed sense of optimism about the future of Singapore Racing.

“It’s no secret that the Turf Club has had its difficulties during the Covid lockdown period but with crowds now returning on race days things are slowly turning to normal and key appointments to the senior management team herald a renewed approach to racing administration and growth initiatives at the club  and a brighter future ahead – we are expecting some major announcements from the STC shortly. I am going to continue our support for the Singapore operation and will be looking to buy suitable candidates for Singapore racing from the upcoming Ready To Run Sale”

Jamie Richards made his debut as a Hong Kong Trainer sending three runners to Happy Valley races on Wednesday evening

The three runners, Rattan Kingdom, Flying On The Turf and Fortune Master finished 2nd, 5^th and 8^th respectively – this writer spoke with Jamie Thursday morning and he expressed satisfaction with his initial debut “Two of my runners were favourites but rail was out in the widest position and luck didn’t quite go our way, but overall I am happy with how we are going” he said

Richards arrived in Hong Kong late last season to set up his stable after numerous years at the helm of Te Akau Racing in New Zealand, where he trained with remarkable success at home and across the Tasman in Australia.

The 33-year-old is synonymous with training exceptional talents such as Melody Belle, Probabeel, Te Akau Shark, Xtravagant, Gingernuts and Avantage. He was crowned New Zealand Champion Trainer four times (2015/16 [with Steven Autridge], 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22) and set single-season wins and prize money records in the process.

The winner of more than 50 Group Ones, Richards is aware of the challenges he faces in an entirely new environment – while lucrative – that is renowned for its unforgiving nature.

“It’s very different (here in Hong Kong), from a training perspective the heat and humidity play roles and from a handicap and acceptances point of view it’s very different too with trump cards, preferences and the like, so it’s taken a little bit of getting used to but we’ve got Jonesy as our assistant trainer and he has a good handle on all of that,” he said. “There’ll be plenty to learn over the next 12 months and couple of years but in time hopefully we can sort it all out.”

Currently with 51 horses registered in his stable, Richards’ highest rated horse is Buddies who sits on a mark of 88 after transferring as a Group Three winner from the Tony Cruz yard. Palamos, whom Richards previously trained in New Zealand, is one of several four-year-olds in his care along with Starfire Gems, a 63-rated son of Japanese sire Maurice.

“It’s been plenty of different lunches and dinners with all of the owners and working that side of things out but I’m really pleased with the support that the owners have given us and now it’s time to do the job for them,” Richards said.

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Hi John and Team Fortuna

OUR tracks have really taken a beating this season. To see Hastings cancelled was a no-brainer bearing in mind the big wet that hit the area and good old  Matamata is the saviour for the group ones this weekend. It’s a great result on another count to see the group ones move north to this venue  when  you consider the amount of group one horses that have been trained on the course by champion trainers both present and past. Rather fitting I reckon to see the the centre finally gets its first group one race in its 103 years of existence.

I’ll be focussing on Matamata for our horse to follow this Saturday but a quick word on the quinella selection last week, the Fortuna pair, Dancarina and Navalha at Riccarton. Dancarina was slow to begin and was taken hold of by her rider to obtain cover and Navalha was also restrained behind runners in the early stages to find a decent spot in the running. Both did well to finish third and 4th respectively but I reckon they are crying for a decent spring track. To be brutally honest the Riccarton track was favouring the wet trackers. It was a tad shifty to the naked eye.

Both horses will keep until next time.

Back to Matamata with some terrific betting races. Mark Walker is for a field day and the one I’ve settled on is the beautifully bred Outfit ( Tivaci-Costume) in race 4. She tended to lay out Te Rapa but ran the third quickest last 200 despite finishing 11th. The astute stable has opted for blinkers on Saturday and with Opie Bosson engaged a form reversal is highly likely. She’s always been held in high regard by the stable and I can see this four year old mare going through the classes.

The price of $7.50 and $2.50 is indicative of the class she’s facing and each  way all day as they say is the best attack.

Good punting!