Headline News;

ROCKY, the Fortuna Racing 4yo, wins at Maiden level in Singapore, bringing up 15 wins in 2022 to date for the Fortuna Team

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, scores another double in Singapore and goes to a clear lead in the Trainer’s Premiership

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing announces prizemoney figures for the 2022/23 season – including $20,000 minimums for Maiden Races
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Fortuna has five runners this weekend –  three in NZ and two in Singapore
 
RUBICON CROSSING makes her race day debut in the first 2yo event of the season at Wanganui – Race 1 @ 12.20pm. Lisa Allpress to ride from a good draw – she is a very interesting runner – a graduate of the Magic Millions January Sale, she boasts a lovely pedigree (Rubick-Miss Foxwood) – has had no public trials but her jumpouts have been very strong. Debut runners in 2yo events can be tricky, but if she handles herself well, she can be right in the finish of this

MALBOROUGH BAY races at Riccarton Saturday 3^rd in the 3yo Set Weights and Penalties 1000m event – Race 3 @ 1.52pm – Current Champion Jockey, Michael McNab takes the mount. A winner on debut as a 2yo in May, he ran a bold resuming race at Taupo for 2^nd behind the smart stablemate Fellini. On a path toward the 2000 Guineas in November, he is right up to this and represents a top three chance

DANCARINA races at Riccarton Saturday 3^rd in the R65 1000m event down the Riccarton Chute – Race 4 @ 2.26pm. A winner at Ruakaka in February and a good 3^rd at Ellerslie at her next start, she has more than her share of ability – trialed nicely at Avondale recently. She looks to be a top four chance in this

ROCKY contests the Novice 1100m Polytrack event for S$75k Saturday 3^rd  – Race 5 @ 2pm Singapore Time (6pm NZT) with Jake Bayliss to ride from a nice draw. A strong winning performance Sunday 28^th August and a nice recovery since sees him back up into this race. Up in grade, he meets a couple of smart ones here, but is progressive and will run well. Top 3 chance

DECEPTION contests the same race. A stylish Restricted Maiden Grade winner back in May, he has run twice at Group level without luck. Apprentice Simon Kok takes 1kg off his back. A talented galloper, his recent form may have him under the radar – can feature in the finish at odds

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

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday  29th August

Malborough Bay (T Harris) worked over 1000 metres at three quarter pace in 1.12.32, home in 42.89.
Dancarina (R Sheehan) worked over 1000 metres at three quarter pace in 1.15.6, home in 43.1.

Tuesday  29th August

Rubicon Crossing (C Grylls) worked over an easy 800 metres, home in 38.23.

Thursday 31st August

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  27^th August

Briggs (Aslam) – 1000/600 37.5; Trident (Aiman) – 800/600 37; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – Steady 40;

Wednesday  30th August

Deception (Simon Kok) – 800/600 40

Other News
 
ROCKY, the Fortuna Racing 4yo, wins at Maiden level in Singapore, bringing up 15 wins in 2022 to date for the Fortuna Team – read all about the ROCKY win below

ROCKY delivers a knock out blow in winning for the first time in Singapore Sunday 28th August

Click HERE to see race replay

 Rocky – 1st win in Singapore – 28th August 2022 – Jake Bayliss in the saddle

Te Akau Racing’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, who scored a brace of wins on the day and is now two wins clear of Tim Fitzsimmons on the Trainers table with 45 wins, was a contented individual post race. “That was great to watch, ROCKY is a talented individual, who has not done himself all favours by being a bit immature in his races and even today he was lugging in badly in the run home, but he got the job done and I think he has a bright future here. Congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team, I love training winners for them.”

Rider Jake Bayliss, who was battling a stomach bug during the day’s racing, was effusive in his praise for ROCKY “He got away well, finished up in a nice spot, relaxed nicely in the run, did a bit wrong in the run home, but was too good – still learning the game but is going to be as nice horse going forward.”

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton New Zealand, was also a happy man “That was a great effort by ROCKY and a very nice result – he has always shown plenty of ability, but has also been very green in his racing and clearly has a bit of maturity to come – when it does, he will deliver some nice results for his ownership group. Well done to Donna Logan, she is the ultimate professional – it is showing in her results and well done to Jake Bayliss as well who made a great job of a tricky ride. And kudos to Mark Walker, who recommended this horse to me after seeing him run a nice trial at Avondale in May 2021”

Donna Logan with Rocky, stable staff, Syndicate Member Derek Soh and Derek’s friend Jennifer

ROCKY’s win was the 15th win for the Fortuna Racing Stable in Singapore for the 2022 season, putting the Stable in 2nd place on the Owners table, 3 behind Lim’s Stable.

ROCKY was purchased by John Galvin for NZ$50,000 from the October 2021 Gavelhouse Sale, on the recommendation of the former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker

ROCKY is raced by the Fortuna Rocky Syndicate, an ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore

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Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, scores another double in Singapore and goes to a clear lead in the Trainer’s Premiership

Donna Logan, with two wins in Singapore Sunday 28 September, has clearly stamped her intention to be a genuine contender for the Singapore training premiership in her first season as the Te Akau head trainer. Her first winner on Saturday was God’s Gift, a horse which Donna actually owns herself, with the Fortuna Racing four-year-old Rocky being the second – amazingly she could have had four winners in total on the card with Diamond Ring (Race 10) after Aftermath (Race 12) both getting nabbed on the line in the final stride. Fellow Singapore Trainer, Tim Fitzsimmons, who has led the Trainer’s Premiership for most of the season, went away empty handed on the day.

Donna, who had trained successfully for many years in New Zealand from her Ruakaka base, had trained on her own account in Singapore from 2018 until the end of 2021, but with Mark Walker relocating to New Zealand, she took up the opportunity to step into the role of Head Trainer for Te Akau Racing.

Donna is supported by her husband Peter Woods, who provides amazing back up support to her with stable administration, staff liaison and client communications.

As readers would be aware, I have had two recent trips to Singapore in recent times to attend race meetings and trackwork and have observed at first hand just how meticulous Donna is with her approach to training and stable management. Training in Asian countries is never easy when it comes to staff management, with cultural and language differences providing significant challenges, however I have sat with Donna and Peter in staff meetings and discussions with their riders and it is clear to see that Donna and Peter are clearly in charge while at the same time providing a friendly and supportive environment for their staff members. It is no coincidence that the two leading apprentices in Singapore for 2022, Fadzli Yusoff and Jerlyn Seow are both indentured to Donna with another Stable apprentice, Kamaruddin Hakim, in 4th place on the apprentice table.

Fingers crossed that Donna can maintain the momentum and pull off what would be an amazing achievement in becoming the 2022 Singapore Champion Trainer

MEDIA RELEASE | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing to offer $20,000 minimum stakes in 2022/23 season

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has today confirmed that a $20,000 stake minimum will apply across all its race meetings in the 2022/23 season as part of its annual stakes announcement.

The amount is up $5,000 on ATR’s minimum of last season and is the highest minimum to have been offered by the Club.

As part of its announcement, ATR has also confirmed it will be contributing $1,421,000 of its own monies into stakes for the season, bringing the total stakes on offer for the Club’s season at Pukekohe Park to $9,570,000.

ATR chief executive Paul Wilcox says that early success with the Club’s new business model has been key to this outcome in commenting that “following last year’s merger and stakes announcement we alluded to the fact that as we continued to implement ournew business model, we hoped to be able to announce further stake increases in the future.

“I am thus delighted to say the work done over the past year in terms of beginning to bring that model to life – particularly with regards to gains made with our property portfolio – has already started to pay off, and that despite challenges posed by the pandemic, we’re still here today announcing what are sustainable, increased returns to our industry.”

While on paper ATR’s contribution to stakes is less than that which it contributed last season and not yet at the levels the Club hopes to achieve, Wilcox says the contribution is nevertheless substantial.
“As part of the merger, we made a commitment to increase returns to the industry and by that we did not just mean those at the top of the game.” Paul Wilcox, ATR chief executive, “Considering we are holding fewer race meetings this season – including less feature meetings such as Derby Day and the New Year’s Day Races; this season’s stakes contribution is still significant, particularly as stake money for all races on an ATR industry day will be $20,000 – $6,000 above the industry minimum of $14,000,” he says.

While the Club’s $1.421m contribution will see each of ATR’s black type races be lifted above NZTR’s minimums, Wilcox adds that the $20,000 minimums are just as important to the Club. “Whenever you hear about sustainability, you often hear about the ‘wider ecosystem’ – something that is important to us as a club when putting that into the context of stakeholders.  As part of the merger, we made a commitment to increase returns to the industry and by that we did not just mean those at the top of the game.
“We recently announced plans to develop additional stabling facilities at Pukekohe Park to accommodate an increased training population in our region and hopefully help those who may not have access to their own land.  Announcements such as that, coupled with today’s regarding the $20,000 minimums, is testament to our commitment to reward all those who choose to race with ATR.”

ATR plans to conduct 14 race meetings over the 2022/23 season

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ pick last week delivered for us once again, labelling the Imperatriz/Butler Quinella at a nice return of $3.60 – Here is what Des has to say this week:

We grabbed the quinella with our top two in last week’s epic Imperatriz’s win in the Foxbridge Plate. Her dominance was a scary reminder to her opposition heading into the group one Tarzino next week. I said it last week and I’ll say it again, she’s the Golden Eagle tip at the end of October.

Let’s see if we can continue with our winning ways at Wanganui this weekend.

Last week it was all about the biggest race on the day but on Saturday I’m heading to maiden company, race 7, the Happy 40th Craig McMillan Maiden.

I quite like El Attitude, TAB number 9. It’s all based on its trial at Foxton behind race rival on Saturday, Fabian Hawk and it’s run against the same horse at Woodville about 3 weeks ago. I mention Fabian Hawk because that horse is definitely the main threat. In fact I’ll take a straight quinella with the pair but my main bet is El Attitude. At Woodville she was out of her ground for much of the race but she hit the line with real purpose. Her sectionals over the 200m were around a quarter second quicker than anything and on a heavy track that equates to just over one length. Had the race been 1600m at Woodville she would have tested the winner instead of finishing 2 lengths in arrears. Wet tracks suit. Waikato jockey Ellen Nicholas is venturing down to ride her. She was also on board at Woodville.

I was hoping for double figures but I see the bookies are on to her, around the $5.50 mark.  I reckon on the day we will cash in on $6.50 and $2.30 with a bit of luck. My bet will one unit over 3 and the quinella.

Good punting!

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).
 

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ROCKY, the 4yo Gelding by El Roca out of Anthology (by Encosta de Lago), was too strong for his rivals in the Open Maiden 1100 Polytrack event on Sunday 28th August. Having his 4th race day start with three minor placings in his previous three starts, ROCKY had opened a clear favourite in the early betting, but a late plunge on the debut runner, Lucky Charm, saw him drift from $3 out to $4.80. Jumping from Barrier 5 with Jake Bayliss in the saddle, ROCKY got into a nice spot on the rail just in behind the speed. Bayliss extricated his charge from the rail before the turn, but in the meantime, Lucky Charm, in the hands of Vlad Duric, hugging the rail, had skipped well clear on the turn. ROCKY, turning for home three wide, looked as if he may have been on the canvass at this point, but once Bayliss got him balanced, he produced an exceptional turn of foot and started to reel in the leader and despite trying to lug in went to the line with a clear margin of 1.5 lengths

Click HERE to see race replay

 Rocky – 1st win in Singapore – 28th August 2022 – Jake Bayliss in the saddle

Te Akau Racing’s Singapore Trainer, Donna Logan, who scored a brace of wins on the day and is now two wins clear of Tim Fitzsimmons on the Trainers table with 45 wins, was a contented individual post race. “That was great to watch, ROCKY is a talented individual, who has not done himself all favours by being a bit immature in his races and even today he was lugging in badly in the run home, but he got the job done and I think he has a bright future here. Congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team, I love training winners for them.”

Rider Jake Bayliss, who was battling a stomach bug during the day’s racing, was effusive in his praise for ROCKY “He got away well, finished up in a nice spot, relaxed nicely in the run, did a bit wrong in the run home, but was too good – still learning the game but is going to be as nice horse going forward.”

Fortuna Director, John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton New Zealand, was also a happy man “That was a great effort by ROCKY and a very nice result – he has always shown plenty of ability, but has also been very green in his racing and clearly has a bit of maturity to come – when it does, he will deliver some nice results for his ownership group. Well done to Donna Logan, she is the ultimate professional – it is showing in her results and well done to Jake Bayliss as well who made a great job of a tricky ride. And kudos to Mark Walker, who recommended this horse to me after seeing him run a nice trial at Avondale in May 2021”

ROCKY’s win was the 15th win for the Fortuna Racing Stable in Singapore for the 2022 season, putting the Stable in 2nd place on the Owners table, 3 behind Lim’s Stable.

ROCKY was purchased by John Galvin for NZ$50,000 from the October 2021 Gavelhouse Sale, on the recommendation of the former Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker

ROCKY is raced by the Fortuna Rocky Syndicate, an ownership Group consisting of 44 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore

Headline News;

TRIDENT, the 4yo Gelding by Deep Field out of Miss Fi simply proved too good for his opposition in the Novice 1400 metre event on the Turf at Singapore’s Kranji Racecourse. Torrential rain had delayed the start of the race by 25 minutes and caused some gloom in the camp as the view was that the horse may not appreciate the very wet going. However, in the capable hands of Australian hoop, Blake Shinn, TRIDENT (who carries the stable name “Bruno”) was soon to put those doubts to rest. Away nicely, but from a wide draw, Shinn eased his charge into a position one off the rail and slightly worse than mid field. The tempo was very quick and connections were a bit concerned as TRIDENT seemed to be drifting back in the field prior to turning, however Shinn had sensed what he had underneath him and was content to wait for the last run at them. On turning he spied a gap between two runners, but just as he went for it, one of those runners moved out sharply, causing Shinn to check his mount and then come off heels to get clear air. Once in the clear, TRIDENT really hit his straps, mounting a compelling run down the middle of the track, going to the line a clear winner with a 2 length margin over his stablemate, Montana Flash.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, had traveled from his New Zealand base for the race day and was hosting a crew of 18 Fortuna clients and guests on track. Interviewed by presenter Pat Comerford after the race, he was an excited Syndicate Manager “I have to say we were a bit gloomy pre race with just how the weather had played out, but that was a very satisfying win – Blake Shinn had  been singing the praises of Trident to me for a little while now and for him to produce back to back wins is a great thrill – lovely ride by Blake, he is the ultimate professional in how he can judge the tempo. And full marks to Donna Logan who has handled this horse so well ever since he arrived at her barn in early February”

Click HERE to see Blake Shinn’s post race comments

BLAKE SHINN a happy rider returns to scale aboard TRIDENT

Trainer, Donna Logan, who took over from Mark Walker late in 2021 as Te Akau Racing’s Head Trainer in Singapore,  produced four winners on the day and has surged to the lead in the Singapore Trainers with 41 wins in the current season. After TRIDENT’S victory, she was a very happy handler. “That was a mighty win from a very promising horse, he has not put a foot wrong in his three Singapore starts to date and was superbly handled by Blake Shinn – fantastic to have John Galvin here on course with his group of Owners – I love training the Fortuna Racing runners – they have now had 14 wins in the current season and I am sure there is a lot more to come.”

Winning connections equally happy after the race

TRIDENT, bred by Mrs H G & W G Bax & JML Bloodstock Ltd, was offered for sale at the 2020 Karaka Book One Sale by Blandford Lodge and was acquired by Davis Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $70,000 – initially prepared in NZ by Jamie Richards, and with the racename POLARIS, he had three starts in the Spring of 2021 for a 3rd and two 4ths – believing that he would be a 3yo who would benefit from a bit more maturity and development, Jamie recommended that his Ownership Group should consider relocating him to Singapore for his future racing career, a recommendation that was taken up by the majority of his ownership group. Trident has now had three Singapore starts for a 2nd and two wins and earned over S$94,000 for his ownership group consisting of 49 individuals from NZ, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Headline News;

Nine Fortuna Runners trialed Te Rapa 4th August – see story below

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Fortuna has just three runners this week –  all in Singapore

Singapore – Sunday 7^th August

ROCKY will contest the Open Maiden 1200 Turf – Race 4 @ 1.30pm Singapore time (5.30pm NZT) – will be ridden by Senior Jockey Jake Bayliss from Barrier 8 in a field of 11 – a solid 3^rd on his race day debut in Restricted Maiden Grade, he followed up with a good 5^th in the same grade two weeks ago – inclined to still be a bit green in his racing to date, he gets the blinkers and a senior rider this time – Improvement expected here from this son of El Roca and is a solid each way chance in this

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

1st Pick: ROCKY (6)
Gets the blinkers added this weekend after finishing a nice fourth last start. Bayliss should have him up there handy in the run and form is strong from his first few starts.
2nd Pick: HOLY ELEANOR (9)
Draws wide in this but one of our most consistent maidens in Singapore. Trainer has called on Blake Shinn to try and get that first win. She will look a danger for a long way.
3rd Pick: PACIFIC STAR (10)
Won his only trial clocking 1:01.37 with Wong in the saddle and he keeps the ride. Stable has a good record with horses in these grades and look for any support.
4th Pick: SHIHAB (11)
Three-year-old son of Shalaa who has three trials under his belt coming into this. Has run in some trials that have produced some good race form and gets in on a lightweight.

ELLIOT NESS races in the Class 4 1100 Poly – Race 8 at 3.30pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) – Hakim (claiming 1kg)  to ride from barrier 2. This talented galloper holds the Singapore track record this trip and surface – 2^nd this trip and surface two weeks ago and arguably unlucky not to win, he represents a top chance here to feature with a great draw and just 52kgs to carry

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

1st Pick: LORD JUSTICE (1)
Runs have been spaced in recent times but has still won his last two. Recent suggests he should be forward enough to run well here.
2nd Pick: DREAM ALLIANCE (5)
Trials have been solid ahead of debut here. One to watch for late market support.
3rd Pick: ELLIOT NESS (6)
First run back in class 4 was great and it proved another win at this class is very possible. Keep safe.
4th Pick: DR KARDO (2)
Back to 1100m on the poly track for the first time since his win, top four player.

“Elliot Ness” – 2nd Singapore Win – 9th July 2022

OLYMPIA will contest the Class 5 1100 Poly – race 9 @ 4pm Singapore time (8pm NZT) – star apprentice Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 7 – honest as the day is long, Olympia has had 9 starts in the Fortuna Racing silks for 1 win and 7 other prizemoney placings – needs a little bit of luck from the draw, but if he gets it is a great each way chance and can win

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 2^nd August

Leaderboard (M Roustoby) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.4, home in 40.69.
Navalha (S Weatherley) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.41, home in 42.89
Prince Lonhro (B King) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.87, home in 42.54
Hayate (A Handley) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.88, home in 41.97.
Inca Belle (A Handley) worked over 1000 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.13.24, home in 41.79.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday  30th July

Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 39; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 1000/600 40

Wednesday  2^nd August

Olympia (Yusoff) – 800/600 39;; Hadeer (Jake) – 1000/600 38; God’s Gift (Bayliss) – 800/600 39.5; Rocky(Bayliss) – 800/600 40;

Other News

Nine Fortuna Runners trialed Te Rapa 4th August

Mark Walker took 70 plus runners to the Te Rapa trials Thursday the 4^th August, nine of which were Fortuna runners and overall we had a pretty good day out with two winners Prince Lonhro and Leaderboard,  Sailing Away and Inca Belle running second, Angels Wings running third and Mohawk Brave, Navalha and Hayateall finishing close up  – Madame Moet resented the heavy track conditions, over raced and finished back in the field, but nevertheless, she is ready to resume racing. Probably the most remarkable performance of the day was our stayer, Leaderboard, who is on a NZ/Wellington Cups path, taking out the 1100m Open Trial, leaving the gates like a greyhound, never headed in the run and going to the line easing down with one and a half lengths to spare. My quip to Mar Walker after the trial was “We should nominate him for the Telegraph instead of the Wellington Cup”.

Of these trialists you can expect to see Leaderboard, Mohawk Brave, Navalha, Hayate and Madame Moethead off to the races soon, while Sailing Home, Prince Lonhro, Angels Wings and Inca Belle will all have a three week break before resuming their preparations

Overall the Fortuna team looks in pretty good shape as the new season gets under way

Obituaries

Sadly, we have had two Fortuna stalwarts pass away in recent times.

Les Coulam had had a long battle with his health in recent years and finally succumbed. Les and Nola, married for over 50 years, lived on the North Shore where they had raised their family and had very strong community involvement. In recent years Les and Nola had success with the Fortuna runners Chance To Dance, Red Rover and Hadeer

Chris Ireson was a familiar face to many of our Fortuna clients on race and trial days as he would invariably attend – indeed just two weeks ago he attended the Cambridge trials, despite being far from well. Chris and Raewyn, who also had been married for over 50 years, lived in Rotorua and they were involved in many Te Akau and Fortuna syndicates. Chris had been in irrepressible health until about two years ago when he had some heart surgery and ongoing issues led to his recent demise. Chris and Raewyn had enjoyed success with Fortuna in many of our horses in NZ and Singapore, Chance To Dance, Ronaldo’s Dream, Federation, Brutus, Hadeer, Leaderboard and Olympia

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Coulam and Ireson families – Rest in peace Les and Chris

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ pick last week did not win but ran 3^rd producing a 102% return on investment at the 1 unit to win, 3 units a place recommendation – here is what Des has to say this week;

We ended up with 100 percent profit on the suggested return on investment with Sonofabutcher hitting the line solidly for third in the last at Te Rapa last Saturday. Possibly a tad unlucky when the jockey decided to steer him on the inner part of the track which was clearly against the normal run of play throughout the day in what clearly was tougher than normal Te Rapa winter going. Overall a game run and satisfying enough for the Fortuna followers. However, those  who subscribe to my 0900 line may well have struck real gold because while Sonofabutcher was my first pick, my second selection in the race, Macushla,   won at monstrous odds of 27 to one!

This weekend I’m turning my attention to Ruakaka, race 6, number 11,  Sulabela.

She has an awkward draw to overcome but the way I see the race she has the pace to come across and either lead or sit outside the lead. While Sulabela, a four  year old daughter of Prosir, is having her first start she’s been to Ruakaka twice, for a trials win, almost two years ago when she won effortlessly by over three lengths and then again at the end of June this year when second to the very promising Noble Win, who as you probably know was subsequently explosive in a maiden win at Pukekohe two weeks later. She had one other trial at Avondale about 15 months ago and wasn’t knocked around to finish just behind the first 4 ( amongst them a black type performer).

To be fair Noble Win had her well covered but she was part of a blistering speed duel in the early and middle part of the trial but  she fought well to the line to distance the rest. I was keen on the run and interestingly there  were 5 trials over the 1030m that day and her heat was more than one second quicker than the others including the open trial!

She’s trained on the track by Michelle Bradley. I have no idea what’s taking her so long to get to the races after showing glimpses of talent as a two year but hopefully the patient policy will pay off quickly.

The bookies haven’t missed her despite some more seasoned runners in the field. I was hoping for around $8 but they’ve come up with $6.50 and $2.40.

Let’s do the same bet as last week, one unit over three! Good punting!

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

Headline News;

KING ARTHUR – the winner of 8 races in Singapore since October 2021 will be ridden by the multiple Group One winning jockey, Blake Shinn, when he contests the Lion City Cup (Group One – 1200m) on August 14^th. Blake has recently ended a very successful 3 year stint in Hong Kong and is undertaking a 5 week riding sojourn in Singapore before returning to Australia to pursue his career there.

In more sombre news we have unfortunately had two retirements over the past couple of weeks due to injuries sustained during track gallops – firstly our Australian-based European bred 4yo No Envy and secondly our New Zealand-based six-year-old Milestone. No Envy had had one win  for us and a 2^ndplacing from just four starts from the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable and while Milestone had not had a start for us he was a two win horse in France and Australia that had done everything right in his work here in New Zealand – devastating for us and the ownership groups for both horses.

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Fortuna has six runners this week – all in Singapore

Singapore – Sunday 24^th  July

OLYMPIA races in the Class 5 1000m Polytrack event – race 1 at 12 Noon Singapore time (4pm NZT) – a solid consistent performer who rarely runs out of the money, he has had a freshen up since his (unlucky) last start – Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow takes 3kgs off his back from a mid field draw – looks well placed here and is a good top three chance

ROCKY contests the Restricted Maiden 1200 Turf event – Race 2 @ 12.30 Singapore time (4.30pm NZT) at just his second career start – this handsome 3yo son of El Roca finished strongly for 3^rd in an Open Maiden event 2^nd July after racing a bit greenly on turning for home – rising star Fadzli Yusoff rides with a 3kg allowance from Barrier 4 – hard to get a good line on form across this field, but Rocky has taken a lot of improvement from his debut run and is right in this representing a top 3 chance

ENTERTAINER races in the Class 3 1200 Polytrack event – Race 5 @ 2pm Singapore time (6pm NZT) and will be ridden by Yusoff claiming 3kgs from Barrier 9 but is E1 and will need a scratching to get a start. The winner of 7 races in Singapore, he has been enigmatic in recent starts, not showing his usual form. Back to Class 3 will help but needs to be taken on trust

BRUTUS races in the Class 4 1200 Turf – Race 8 @ 3.30pm Singapore time (7.30pm NZT) – to be ridden by that man Yusoff, claiming 3kgs, from Barrier 7 – Back in Class 4 after unplaced in 3 runs in higher grades, he seems to be very well placed here having won well in this grade in March off a similar rating – is a strong each way chance in this

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

1st Pick: BRUTUS (1)
Drops to class 4 again here and should be very competitive amongst this company. Clear horse to beat on paper.
2nd Pick: CHICAGO STAR (2)
Looked to have turned a corner last start running a strong third in his third run back this campaign. Seems to be heading in the right direction.
3rd Pick: SUN RECTITUDE (6)
Class 5 winner last start on speed. Should be amongst the leaders again her and carries no weight up in grade.
4th Pick: AUGUSTANO (3)
Caught wide most of the way last start and still made good ground late. He is a nine-time winner in Singapore and is getting back down slowly to a winnable mark, respect.

HADEER contests the Class 3 1200 Polytrack event – Race 11 @ 5pm Singapore time (9pm NZT) – Jerlyn Seow takes the mount claiming 3kgs from barrier 5 – caught wide last start without cover – has been racing well without winning – has yet to win on Polytrack but has placed – can feature here with a soft run from the draw

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

1st Pick: ILLUSTRIOUS (4)
Dominant six length winner last start and steps up in grade. A repeat of last start would have seen him in the finish again, must respect.
2nd Pick: NOWYOUSEE (1)
Made up plenty of ground last start to run in the money with the top weight. Has won a trial since, keep safe.
3rd Pick: HADEER (3)
Yet to win on the poly but steps back to a very winnable race. Last start a complete forgive, wide draw brought him undone.
4th Pick: PROOF PERFECT (8)
Steps up in grade but has won last two starts in impressive style. Should handle the rise in grade.

ELLIOT NESS runs in the Class 4 1100 Polytrack event – Race 12 @ 5.30pm Singapore time (9.39pm NZT) – Yusoff to ride from barrier 6 and claiming 3kgs – strong last start winner in Class 5 and is the track record holder this surface and trip – represents a real threat in this field and can win

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Wednesday 20^th July

Hayate (L Truesdale) worked over 800 metres at three quarter pace, home in 40.46.

Navalha (C Grylls) worked over 800 metres at three quarter pace, home in 43.44.
Mohawk Brave (R Khan) worked over 800 metres at three quarter pace, home in 40.89

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 16th July

Brutus (Jamil)– 1000/600 37; Olympia (Jamil) – 1000/600 37.5; Elliot Ness (Yusoff) – 800/600 38; Entertainer (Yusoff) – 1000/600 38; Briggs (Aslam) – 800/600 38; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 1000/600 38

Tuesday  19^th July

Brutus (Yusoff) – 800/600 37; Rocky (Yusoff) – 900/600 39.5; Our Final Offer (Aslam) – 1000/600 38;Wednesday (CC Wong) – 800/600 42;

Other News

KING ARTHUR wins again in Singapore for Fortuna Racing

KING ARTHUR (I Am Invincible-Pentasia) took his promising career to another level Sunday 17th July when winning the Class 1 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji race course in stylish fashion, cracking through the Class Record in doing so. Recording his 8th career win and, remarkably, 7 of those wins coming from his last 10 starts, the 4yo was having his first start at Class 1 level, had drawn barrier 7 in an 8 horse field and was ridden, once again, by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yuoff, claiming 3 kgs. The speed was hot from barrier rise and Yusoffeased with King Arthur settling into 6th place and on the rail. Eased off the rail before the turn, Yusoff looked to get his mount to the outside, but was held in a pocket by Gold Star – keeping his cool, Yusoff, still 5 lengths adrift of the race leader, Celavi, spotted an inside run, ducked and weaved, got his charge into the clear and once there, he was just too strong for his opposition, going to the line 3/4 length clear of the fast finishing Big Hearted in a time of 1.08.50

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 32nd Training success in 2022 for Te Akau Racing Stables was blown away by the result “That was amazing to watch, King Arthur was a bit further back in the running than I expected, got held up for a few strides on turning, but once clear, he was just too big, too strong – full marks to Yusoff once again, he kept his cool when in a spot of bother in the run home and got the job done again”

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was a happy chappy post race “That was an outstanding result for the horse – to be fair, he was the favourite and had the right credentials to be successful in the race, but they still have to do it – I thought he was dead and buried with 300m to run, but Yusoff, who is riding out of his skin, kept his cool, found the right passage and once in the clear, it was ‘shut the gate’ time”

KING ARTHUR will now be aimed at the S$300,000 Group One Lion City Cup over 1200 metres, Sunday 14th August

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after 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 and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$330,000 with eight wins, five 2nds and two thirds  from 19 starts in Singapore.

New Fortuna Jackets

As readers would be aware, we have had a change in design of our racing silks and accordingly, have designed a new range of Polo Shirts, which were available a few months ago and now we have taken delivery of our new winter jacket range – see pictures below

These are available to clients at cost $125 each including delivery to your door, Mens, Womens and Childrens styles and in all sizes.

Polo shirts are $50 and again there are Mens/Womens styles and all sizes, including Childrens – see the design below

Just contact Jessica – jessica@fortuna-nz.com and she will assist you.

Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des’ pick last week, Brucie, ran 2^nd at Trentham and 1 unit to win, 3 units a place returned a 70% return on investment (if you had got on early enough at fixed odds) – a lot better than bank interest for sure – here is what Des has to say this week;

IT appears many punters thought the same as me with Brucie on Saturday. At print time here we were paying $6.50 and $2.50 and the suggested bet of one unit over three made commonsense. At start time Brucie started a warm favourite and ended as the off course substitute.  He was game in defeat in running second and grabbing the odds early meant we ended around the 75% profit.

This week I’m heading to New Plymouth and fingers crossed, despite the awful weather most of the country has experienced in recent days, the track that’s been prone to bad luck in recent months, will have the opportunity to fully complete its 8-race programme!
My hopes are pinned on Cholula in the UPB Ltd 1800, race three.
She’s no world beater but her runs lately have looked better than average.
I liked the way she stuck to her guns last time at Hastings, coming from about 8th or 9th nearing the turn to finish 4th and registered the third quickest final sectionals.

She was a tad unlucky the start prior, too, when she was held up by a tiring runner near the 600m at Waverley.
Cholula has now had 4 runs and a trial this term and her fitness levels should be spot on for what will be a testing assignment.
The 1800m should be right up her alley, too.
Last year, at her 6th start, she went to New Plymouth and bolted in by 7 lengths over 1800m on a heavy track and here’s another eye opener, despite having first use of the track, she ran a quicker time over the same journey on the same day as fellow winners Zeefa Zed and the highly talented Ladies Man!

For good measure, Faye Lazet, who has been riding Cholula in recent starts and who was on board in the runaway win last year, retains the ride with the very important 3kgs claim.

I reckon the early bird odds of $11 and $3.50 are very tempting, don’t you?
Good punting!

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

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KING ARTHUR (I Am Invincible-Pentasia) took his promising career to another level Sunday 17th July when winning the Class 1 1200m Turf event at Singapore’s Kranji race course in stylish fashion, cracking through the Class Record in doing so. Recording his 8th career win and, remarkably, 7 of those wins coming from his last 10 starts, the 4yo was having his first start at Class 1 level, had drawn barrier 7 in an 8 horse field and was ridden, once again, by Stable Apprentice Fadzli Yuoff, claiming 3 kgs. The speed was hot from barrier rise and Yusoff eased with King Arthur settling into 6th place and on the rail. Eased off the rail before the turn, Yusoff looked to get his mount to the outside, but was held in a pocket by Gold Star – keeping his cool, Yusoff, still 5 lengths adrift of the race leader, Celavi, spotted an inside run, ducked and weaved, got his charge into the clear and once there, he was just too strong for his opposition, going to the line 3/4 length clear of the fast finishing Big Hearted in a time of 1.08.50

Click HERE to see race replay

Trainer Donna Logan, recording her 32nd Training success in 2022 for Te Akau Racing Stables was blown away by the result “That was amazing to watch, King Arthur was a bit further back in the running than I expected, got held up for a few strides on turning, but once clear, he was just too big, too strong – full marks to Yusoff once again, he kept his cool when in a spot of bother in the run home and got the job done again”

“King Arthur” – Singapore Win #8 – 14  July 2022

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was a happy chappy post race “That was an outstanding result for the horse – to be fair, he was the favourite and had the right credentials to be successful in the race, but they still have to do it – I thought he was dead and buried with 300m to run, but Yusoff, who is riding out of his skin, kept his cool, found the right passage and once in the clear, it was ‘shut the gate’ time”

KING ARTHUR will now be aimed at the S$300,000 Group One Lion City Cup over 1200 metres, Sunday 14th August

KING ARTHUR’s connections post race (Trainer Donna Logan 2nd from left)

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Sydney, Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after 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 and Malaysia. He has now accumulated S$330,000 with eight wins, five 2nds and two thirds  from 19 starts in Singapore.