fortunanz

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Fortuna Racing secures a beautiful Filly by Champion Sire, SAVABEEL on Day One of the Karaka Yearling Sale

Published 26 January 2025

Yearling Filly by Savabeel out of Lady Tatia

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We have been always been admirers of the progeny of Savabeel – however  given his Champion stallion status over many years and the Fortuna philosophy of “buying to budget” it has not been easy to secure a nice Savabeel Filly in recent years – today however we did secure one  –  we did have to push out the boat a little bit on our budget in order to get her, but we are happy to have done so

Physical Type – an early foal (11th of September 2023), she is a good medium size, has a lovely relaxed athletic walk and ticked all of the boxes of our inspection team of David Ellis, Mark Walker, Reece Trumper and Marcus Corban

Click HERE to see her parading today at Karaka

Pedigree – By Savabeel, the veteran Sire of close to 1000 winners, including 143 Stakes Winners and 33 Group One winners and a nine time Champion Stallion – and out of the winning racemare Lady Tatia (Duke of Marmalade) who won twice in Australia and who has had two foals to the races, including the three time winner and Group 3 placed Belle Of The Ball

Mark Walker says “John, this Filly ticks all the boxes – an early foal, she is beautifully proportioned, has a great walk and looks like she will run early – I know you had to extend a bit to secure her, but I am rapt that Sam and I can get to train her for the Fortuna Team – we trained the full sister, Belle Of The Ball and she was a very good galloper – we have had so much success over the years with the progeny of Savabeel and I’m sure that can continue with this beautiful Filly”

Karaka Millions Race Series – she will be registered for the Karaka Millions series and will therefore be eligible to race in the two year-old event for NZ$1m in January 2026 and the NZ $1.5m three year-old event in January 2027 – she will also be eligible for the $4m NZ Kiwi Slot Race as a three year-old in 2027 – and a reminder that a daughter of Savabeel, Damask Rose. won this year’s edition of the Karaka Million 3yo and is now one of the favourites for the inaugural NZ Kiwi

Full Syndication paperwork is still to be finalised but figures are as follows – 10% share $22,000, 5% $11,000, 2.5% $5,500, 1% $2200 with ongong costs from 1 April of $50 per month per each 1% share. These initial costs include purchase price, New Zealand GST, promoters fees, Karaka Millions fees, insurance to 31st of January 2026 and working capital of almost $11k

We are now taking expressions of interest and you can do that by resonding HERE advising us the percentage you are interested in – and in expressing interest you will be guaranteed a share – we look forward to hearing from you

Friday Flash – 24th January 2025

Published 24 January 2025

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2yo Filly – Marokopa Falls – wins on debut Trentham 7th December 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day 2024
Date – Sunday 9th February
Venue – “The Gazebo” – Matamata Racecourse
Time – 1pm – 4pm

Our very popular annual event where we celebrate the year’s successes, enjoy the conviviality of each others company and we parade all of the Fortuna horses based at the Matamata Stables

It is important that you register for this event if attending – you can do this by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com – please note that if you had registered for the Owners Day in December, it is important that you re-register for the new date – we need this for catering purposes

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Headline News

DREAMFLIGHT impresses on his Fortuna debut

Karaka Yearling Sales kick off on Sunday

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Fortuna has four runners this Saturday and Monday

Riccarton – Saturday

ANGELS WINGS contests the R65 1200 down the Riccarton Chute – Race 4 @ 1.34 pm and will be ridden by the very experienced French jockey, Marc Lerner. Resumed at New Plymouth 27/12 for a solid 3rd placing. Doesn’t win out of turn but is a good each way chance here. TAB says “Zipped home into 3rd last start – meets a stronger field here – Goes close” – Showing $5/1.95

HAYATE races in the R65 1800 – Race 10 @5.20pm with Ace Lawson-Carroll to ride from a wide barrier – resumed at Otaki 1400m off a long break but was the victim of a poorly judged ride and finished back in field. 1800 will suit but will need some luck in the running – should be running home strongly. – Showing $18/5.50

Tauranga – Monday

SAILING AWAY races in the R60 2100m event – Race 4 @ 1.57pm with Wiremu Pinn to ride from a mid field barrier – has disappointed last two starts in the South Island but back to Rating 60 grade here, he gets a chance to redeem – watch the tote – no odds showing yet

COURT OF APPEAL contests the R65 1600  – Race 9 @ 4.52 pm and will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn from a good barrier – is resuming after last racing at Wanganui 23rd Nov – a natural staying type, she can run the 1600 well in a fresh up state – can feature in the finish – no odds showing yet

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Riccarton Tuesday 21stHayate (C Stumbles) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.26.2, home in 36.7.

Cranbourne  Tuesday 21st

West Indies (L Winks) galloped over 800 metres in 55.7, home in 37.5.

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Other News

DREAMFLIGHT impresses on his Fortuna debut

The Fortuna Racing six year-old Dreamflight, an impressive winner of his jump out at Cranbourne on Monday 13th of January, produced a solid resuming effort when rattling home from the back of the field for a fast finishing fifth placing over 1600m on the tight Mornington track. Dreamflight, a son of the worlds’s No 1 Stallion, Frankel  and a full brother to the 2024 Epsom Oaks winner, Soul Sister, had been acquired by his previous owners for A$500,000 after winning twice in France, had failed to win in Sydney for them and so was offered for sale in September 2024 on the Inglis digital site and was picked up by Fortuna Racing for just A$30,000 and transferred to trainer Mark Walker at the Te Akau Racing Stables at Cranbourne in Victoria where a change of training methods and a more relaxed open environment has seen Dreamflight go from strength to strength and he seems to have a promising future.
Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching the Mornington race from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand  was impressed with what he saw “that was a pretty good effort” he said after the race “we knew we had an in form galloper, but figured that the 1600m race was going to be too short for him as he is a natural staiying type and also he probably wouldn’t be suited by the tight turning Mornington track, however he relaxed nicely at the back of the field and his rider, Shane Foley, had him traveling beautifully and when asked for an effort at the top of the street, he rattled home strongly – it was very pleasing to see”

Click HERE to see the race result and replay

With that run under his belt Dreamflight will now step up to a more suitable 2000 meter trip and that will be on the big roomy Flemington track Saturday 15th of February.


DREAMFLIGHT  (By Frankel out of Dream Peace)

Of further interest is that we have a very similar type in Colour Sergeant who is about a month behind Dreamflight in his preparation, coming along nicely – like Dreamflight Colour Sergeant is European bred (by Kingman, rated the 8th best Stallion in the world) and a natural staying type, has won 4 races in New South Wales, but like Dreamflight, had fallen out of form at his previous stable and so his ownership group put him up for sale on Inglis Digital where we picked him up for just A$15k after Mark and I had identified him as being an ideal type for the Cranbourne set up and the Victorian staying races

On arriving at Cranbourne, Mark and Ben got to work on him, the first thing they did was take his shoes off and he has been worked without shoes since, his hooves have now grown out and are beautifully healthy, he has done a lot of work on the treadmill and he just loves the sand dune track at Cranbourne, which provides a deep sand going and an uphill gallop, just perfect for these staying types.

Click HERE to see Colour Sergeant on Wednesday with comments from Ben – as you will see he is a lovely type, his coat is great, he moves well and is due to have his first jumpout at Cranbourne this Monday 27th Jan. Still some shares left at just $510 for each 1% and $60 per month from 1 Feb – don’t miss him – down to a Rating of just 61, he will be v ery competitive when he gets to the races in about four weeks time!!!

Shares can be ordered from the link HERE and full details about him can be seen at this link

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Karaka Yearling Sales kick off on Sunday

Yes it’s that time of the year again where the New Zealand Bloodstock yearling sale at Karaka gets to show the cream of the crop with three days of selling from Book one and a further two days of Book 2 and a total of 1088 lots being presented

The Te Akau team of David Ellis, Mark Walker, Reece Trumper and Marcus Corban conducted  physical inspections from Tuesday to Thursday of this week and have drawn up a reasonably long shortlist of potential candidates to be vetted ahead of the sale – as always Fortuna will be searching for “value” and buying to budget and so out of that list, Mark and David have identified a number of candidates that they think will make the Fortuna budget. I will be present at the sale and look forward to catching up with any of our Fortuna clients who are attending also –  soon after we secure any lots we will put out our usual “breaking news” update. The sale will be streamed live from the New Zealand Blood Stock website and as always it makes fascinating watching.

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Shares For Sale

Read all about our very latest Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale acquisition – the Russian Revolution Filly, below

Shares can be acquired direct from our website link HERE

About The Russian Revolution-Artistic Lass Filly

Physical Type

Beautiful Yearling Filly by a proven Stallion in Russian Revolution and out of the five time winning racemare, Artistic Lass, who paraded well with a great walk and exhibited a very even temperament, she is a September foal and looks to be an “early runner.”

Click HERE to see her parading ahead of the Sale

Yearling Filly by Russian Revolution out of Artistic Lass

 

Pedigree 

By the proven Stallion Russian Revolution – the leading first season stallion in the 2020/21 season and the Sire of 175 winner, including 11 Stakes winners and out of the five time winning racemare Artistic Lass, who is a half sister to the Group Two and Group 3 winners, Sistine Angel and Sistine Demon – this is a strong pedigree page

Click HERE to see her pedigree

John says

“I love it when we can buy the progeny of proven Australian Stallions within our budget. Russian Revolution was an exceptional racehorse, winning seven times on the track and has already left a number of very good race horses including the Group One Randwick Guineas winner, Communist“

Mark Walker says

“John, Lot 170 from the Magic Millions sale is a beautiful Russian Revolution Filly out of the five time winning Myboycharlie racemare, Artistic Lass – she is a lovely walking Filly, very athletic. I think this Filly will be an early runner and make a really nice two-year-old with the scope to train on to be a good three-year-old – there is some really good two-year-old form in the family – I thought she was particularly good buying at A$100,000 Australian and we are excited to have her joining our stable”

David Ellis says

“John, this Russian Revolution Filly caught our attention during inspections, she is an early foal (8th September) of good medium size, very strong, has a lovely free flowing walk, vetted perfectly and is exceptional value at A$100k – once again you have managed to secure a quality Filly within your budget range”

 

She is now registered for the Magic Millions Race Series – this is a Series now worth over A$15m – here are the races she will be eligible to be nominated for at the Magic Million’s Race Days

  • January 2026 – the A$3m Magic Millions Classic for 2yo’s 1200m
  • May 2026  – the A$1m National 2yo Classic 1000m
  • January 2027 – the A$3m Magic Millions Guineas
  • January 2027 – the A$3m 1100m 3yo Sprint 
  • Subsequent years she will be eligible for any of the A$1m races for older horses on the Magic Millions Carnival Day

 

Note that only horses that have been acquired at a MM Sale and have been enrolled for the Race Series are eligible to be nominated for these races

 

View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for the Russian Revolution Filly

Read the Declaration.

Terms

  • Shares available right down to 1%.
  • 10% share $18,600, 5% share $9,300, 2.5% share $4,650, 1% share $1860 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2025 @$50 per month per each 1% share
  • Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $13k
  • Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2025 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $500 per month – 5% share $250 per month – 2.5% share $125 per month – 1% share $50 per month.
  • Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank  Payment or Credit Card

Shares can be acquired direct from our website link HERE
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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Good morning John and Fortuna followers

While the curtain falls on a very busy Trentham summer the top racing continues for the next 3 months beginning with the big dance at Ellerslie on Saturday.

A quick wind up from last Saturday.
At 30 to one we were dead stiff with the Cup hopeful Trav who botched the start terribly, losing a conservative 12 lengths before finishing 4th, less than 3 lengths from Wolfgang. Take nothing away from the winner but Trav was clearly unlucky.
Trav was to be ridden by Lisa Allpress who sadly had to be replaced after snapping her leg in three places following a major incident with her mount Hickory Stick at the barrier. I’ve kept contact with her through husband Karl and readers can be assured she went home from the Wellington hospital on Tuesday and she’s as comfortable as can be under the circumstances with the watchful eye of her family and medics.
The racing industry certainly wishes her all the best in her recovery.

Let’s focus on Ellerslie.
What a day/night it’ll be.
My three horses to watch out for are:

Mary Shan in Westbury Classic:

Her run the other day at Ellerslie was huge.
She looked be travelling sweetly into the straight but hit a road block and had to be steered off runners a couple of times by rider Michael McNab to find clear air. By the time she found daylight the race was over.
She’s clearly back to the form that perched her right up with the best fillies last term and she will jump from barrier one and McNab will not  waste the opportunity of pinging her out of the gates and riding her positively to take full advantage of the draw.

Two others to follow at Ellerslie are in the same race, the Railway.
I’m keen on the two fillies, Captured By Love and Alabama Lass.

They get a huge pull in the weights and both  not only have a decent turn of foot at either the start or at the end of their races but both represent the highest class as their records show.
Both fillies have freshened well since last racing and they caught the eye in separate trial wins at Matamata a week or so ago.
I can’t separate them and I’ll be backing them both.
Good punting!

Ps if you’d like to be included in my individual email tipping service for the next 3 months the cost is $240 ( gst inclusive) and as a bonus you’ll have this Saturday ex gratis along with the rest of January. Simply email me dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and join in the fun.

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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DREAMFLIGHT impresses at his first start in the Fortuna colours at Mornington Victoria 22nd Jan 2025

Published 23 January 2025

The Fortuna Racing six year-old Dreamflight, an impressive winner of his jump out at Cranbourne on Monday 13th of January, produced a solid resuming effort when rattling home from the back of the field for a fast finishing fifth placing over 1600m on the tight Mornington track. Dreamflight, a son of the worlds’s No 1 Stallion, Frankel  and a full brother to the 2024 Epsom Oaks winner, Soul Sister, had been acquired by his previous owners for A$500,000 after winning twice in France, had failed to win in Sydney for them and so was offered for sale in September 2024 on the Inglis digital site and was picked up by Fortuna Racing for just A$30,000 and transferred to trainer Mark Walker at the Te Akau Racing Stables at Cranbourne in Victoria where a change of training methods and a more relaxed open environment has seen Dreamflight go from strength to strength and he seems to have a promising future.

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin, watching the Mornington race from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand  was impressed with what he saw “that was a pretty good effort” he said after the race “we knew we had an in form galloper, but figured that the 1600m race was going to be too short for him as he is a natural staiyingtype and also he probably wouldn’t be suited by the tight turning Mornington track, however he relaxed nicely at the back of the field and his rider, Shane Foley, had him travelling beautifully and when asked for an effort at the top of the street, he rattled home strongly – it was very pleasing to see”

Click HERE to see the race result and replay

With that run under his belt Dreamflight will now step up to a more suitable 2000 meter trip and that will be on the big roomy Flemington track Saturday 15th of February.


DREAMFLIGHT  (By Frankel out of Dream Peace) 
 

Friday Flash – 17th January 2025

Published 17 January 2025

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2yo Filly – Marokopa Falls – wins on debut Trentham 7th December 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

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Fortuna Annual Owners Day 2024
Date – Sunday 9th February
Venue – “The Gazebo” – Matamata Racecourse
Time – 1pm – 4pm

Our very popular annual event where we celebrate the year’s successes, enjoy the conviviality of each others company and we parade all of the Fortuna horses based at the Matamata Stables

It is important that you register for this event if attending – you can do this by emailing jessica@fortuna-nz.com – please note that if you had registered for the Owners Day in December, it is important that you re-register for the new date – we need this for catering purposes
 

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Headline News

BELLATRIX STAR sustains freak injury

DREAMFLIGHT wins a jumpout at Cranbourne stylishly

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Fortuna has no runners this weekend

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

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Other News

Bellatrix Star sustains freak injury

By

Racing.com

 –

January 13, 2025

Bellatrix Star has sustained a serious neck injury. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli

Top filly Bellatrix Star’s (Star Witness) autumn campaign has been aborted and her racing future is unclear after a freak accident at Cranbourne last week.

Mark Walker’s Group Two winner and Group One runner-up sustained a serious neck injury when she reared and fell while exiting the swimming pool after a routine piece of exercise.

Managing owner John Galvin said that while initial scans have confirmed several fractures, the injury appears stable and he will await further veterinary advice as to the filly’s long-term prospects.

“She had an accident as she was exiting the pool, she reared right over onto her back and fell heavily,” Galvin said. She was on the ground for 10 or 15 minutes, but she gradually got to her feet and was walked back to the box where she was examined by the vet and then X-rayed. She’s got fractures in her neck. The good news since is that she’s bright, she’s alert, she’s eating well and her vitals are good. Obviously, her autumn campaign that we had planned is out the window and it’s possible that she may never race again, but we don’t know that for sure at this stage. We’ve got a very good vet there, Matt Morahan, and I’ve spoken to our local Waikato vet, who was at the (Magic Millions) sales and, while it’s not a common injury, they’ve seen similar before. Whether she recovers well enough to be able to race again, we can’t be sure, but, obviously, given her race record to date, she’s got a fair value as a broodmare prospect, so that would be plan b if she couldn’t race again.”

A Group Two winner in New Zealand as a two-year-old, the Mark Walker-trained filly emerged as one of Australia’s premier sprinting three-year-olds with a strong of feature race wins over the spring, including the Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) against older horses.

She finished well from near-last to run second to Switzerland in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), before finishing down the track in the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m).

Galvin said connections had been eyeing an ambitious summer and autumn campaign with the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m), Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m), Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) all on the agenda

John updates “Bellatrix Star continues to make good progress since the news release above, she is comfortable, eating and drinking well – she has had her X Rays, diagnosis and current treatment peer reviewed by our Vet Team at Waikato Equine and they are in full agreement with the rehab plan in place. Obviously this has been devastating news for her large ownership Group who are immensely proud of her achievements to date and were looking forward to her ambitious Autumn campaign – but for now our singular focus is to allow the time for this fracture to heal and then we will re-assess her ongoing plans”
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DREAMFLIGHT wins a jumpout at Cranbourne stylishly

Our six year old Gelding Dreamflight showed a great turn of foot at the Cranbourne jump outs on Monday when winning his 1400m heat –  this son of Frankel who is a full bother to the 2023 Epsom Oaks winner, Soul Sister and also the 2024 Herbert Power Handicap winner, Herman Hesse, was acquired by us of the Inglis digital sale for just A$30,000 in September. He had been a two win horse in France who had been acquired by clients of the Bjorn Baker stable and raced in Sydney and although he went close on a couple of occasions, he had not been able to win race there and so his ownership group put him up for sale.

Since arriving at Cranbourne Mark Walker and assistant trainer Ben Gleeson have changed his training routine significantly. He has been trained without shoes and does a lot of work on the mechanical walker and also on the sand dune track and the seems to have really revitalised this horse – he will have his first race in the Fortuna silks at Mornington next Wednesday 22nd of January in a benchmark 74 1600 meter event  – a genuine staying type this trip may be a bit short for him, but it will be a good race to start him off in

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Shares For Sale

Colour Sergeant
Hot on the heels of acquiring Dreamflight in September off the Inglis digital sale in late November, we bought a horse with a similar profile off the same sales site.  Colour Sergeant is by Kingman who is rated the eight best stallion in the world – he was acquired in Europe by a New South Wales ownership group who won four races with him in New South Wales but then ran into a patch of poor form with him and they decided to offer him for sale. Mark Walker and I analysed his form and given the progress we had made at that point with Dreamflight decided to acquire him and give him an opportunity to adjust to a different training regime and environment – since arriving at Cranbourne he has made giant strides and is set to have his first jump out at Cranbourne on the 27th of January

Click HERE to see him parading at Cranbourne yesterday with comments from Mark – as you will see he is in magnificent physical condition and given that he has got down to a rating of just 61 he is bound to be very competitive when we get him to the races in a few weeks time – just 13% left in this horse – we did not have to pay a lot of money for him and so he represents exceptional value – shares are available at NZ$510 for each 1% share, $1275 for a 2.5% share and $2550 for a 5% share with ongoing payments of NZ$60 per month for each 1% share from 1 Feb – Click HERE to order shares directly off our website

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Read all about our very latest Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale acquisition – the Russian Revolution Filly, below

Shares can be acquired direct from our website link HERE

About The Russian Revolution-Artistic Lass Filly

Physical Type

Beautiful Yearling Filly by a proven Stallion in Russian Revolution and out of the five time winning racemare, Artistic Lass, who paraded well with a great walk and exhibited a very even temperament, she is a September foal and looks to be an “early runner.”

Click HERE to see her parading ahead of the Sale

Yearling Filly by Russian Revolution out of Artistic Lass

 

Pedigree 

By the proven Stallion Russian Revolution – the leading first season stallion in the 2020/21 season and the Sire of 175 winner, including 11 Stakes winners and out of the five time winning racemare Artistic Lass, who is a half sister to the Group Two and Group 3 winners, Sistine Angel and Sistine Demon – this is a strong pedigree page

Click HERE to see her pedigree

John says

“I love it when we can buy the progeny of proven Australian Stallions within our budget. Russian Revolution was an exceptional racehorse, winning seven times on the track and has already left a number of very good race horses including the Group One Randwick Guineas winner, Communist“

Mark Walker says

“John, Lot 170 from the Magic Millions sale is a beautiful Russian Revolution Filly out of the five time winning Myboycharlie racemare, Artistic Lass – she is a lovely walking Filly, very athletic. I think this Filly will be an early runner and make a really nice two-year-old with the scope to train on to be a good three-year-old – there is some really good two-year-old form in the family – I thought she was particularly good buying at A$100,000 Australian and we are excited to have her joining our stable”

David Ellis says

“John, this Russian Revolution Filly caught our attention during inspections, she is an early foal (8th September) of good medium size, very strong, has a lovely free flowing walk, vetted perfectly and is exceptional value at A$100k – once again you have managed to secure a quality Filly within your budget range”

 

She is now registered for the Magic Millions Race Series – this is a Series now worth over A$15m – here are the races she will be eligible to be nominated for at the Magic Million’s Race Days

  • January 2026 – the A$3m Magic Millions Classic for 2yo’s 1200m
  • May 2026  – the A$1m National 2yo Classic 1000m
  • January 2027 – the A$3m Magic Millions Guineas
  • January 2027 – the A$3m 1100m 3yo Sprint 
  • Subsequent years she will be eligible for any of the A$1m races for older horses on the Magic Millions Carnival Day

 

Note that only horses that have been acquired at a MM Sale and have been enrolled for the Race Series are eligible to be nominated for these races

 

View and/or Download the Disclosure Statement and the Syndicate Agreement for the Russian Revolution Filly

Read the Declaration.

Terms

  • Shares available right down to 1%.
  • 10% share $18,600, 5% share $9,300, 2.5% share $4,650, 1% share $1860 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2025 @$50 per month per each 1% share
  • Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $13k
  • Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2025 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $500 per month – 5% share $250 per month – 2.5% share $125 per month – 1% share $50 per month.
  • Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank  Payment or Credit Card

Shares can be acquired direct from our website link HERE
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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Greetings John and Team
Before passing on my thoughts for the big Saturday at Trentham may I take the opportunity of wishing you nothing but good luck with super filly Bellatrix Star who had a very unlucky accident the other day.
Fingers crossed she will recover fully and we will get to see her back on the track again. Her Coolmore run was epic in the spring in Melbourne and hopefully the best is yet come.

Trentham has had its busiest December and January for as long as I can remember; 3 race days in December and this will be the 6th race meeting in just 7 weeks.
Thankfully the track team, under the guidance of main man Jamie Phillips, have done their very best to ensure it’ll stay the distance for the climax of this very busy period on Saturday.
I’m one who loves Cups racing and it’ll be nice to be attendance for my 54th.
For the record I haven’t missed one since Simon de Montfort in 1972.
While I didn’t back the Hawera galloper at 180 to one back then  I’ve done okay over the years.

Trav and Testify Me

I’ll be playing around this pair in the exotics.
Why Trav ?
I’ve been watching this fellow lately and he’s been going ok under the radar.
He hit the line in his lead up the other day and I noticed it took Lisa Allpress a good distance after the post to pull her mount up.
Trav looks a dead set stayer and is racing like one.
He’s bred to get the trip and I doubt if there’s a rival with a better 2-mile pedigree. He’s closely related to Blood Brother, the winner of both the NZ Cup and the Wellington Cup and for good measure, Trav is a direct descendant of dual NZ Cup winner, Princess Mellay.
As readers of this column will know I’ve been a big Wellington Cup fan of Testify Me for a couple of months.
His programme is faultless. As a past St Leger winner he hasn’t disappointed in any race leading up to the big test and the run here in the Marton Cup had him grinding solidly to the line to prove he has certainly peaked at the right time.

Midnight Magic:
Another runner I like as an each way prospect is this girl in the rich Remutaka Classic.
The run at Ellerslie last time was ordinary but the start prior was quite superb at Te Rapa after dawdling away and giving the very best a big start. That was a hot race; at  group 2 and she was the second quickest to the line behind the horse of the summer, Snazzytavi.
Midnight Magic has raced well at Trentham in the past when an unlucky 6th in the Nz Oaks last season as well as the the group 3 Manawatu Classic when third.
She is most certainly a decent each way chance at nice odds.
Good punting!

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Friday Flash – 10th January 2025

Published 10 January 2025

Yearling Filly by Russian Revolution out of Artistic Lass

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Headline News

Fortuna Racing quick out of the blocks at the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale – acquiring a beautiful Russian Revolution Filly on Day One
 

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Fortuna has one runner Friday –  in NZ

Tauranga – Friday 10th

INCA BELLE contests the R65 1200 event – race 6 at 3.30pm with Vinnie Colgan to ride from barrier 11. Last two starts have been on this track for a 2nd and a 3rd – wide draw makes it tricky and she will need some luck.  TAB says “consistent this time in  – five runs here for two wins and three placings – wide draw – proven on dry and wet” – showing $10/$3.20

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

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Fortuna Racing quick out of the blocks at the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale – acquiring a beautiful Russian Revolution Filly on Day One
 

With a target of buying a nicely bred Filly at the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale and with a good selection/buying strategy in place, John, in conjunction with David Ellis, purchased lot 170 – the Russian Revolution – Artistic Lass Filly for A$100,000 in the afternoon session of Day One of what was a very strong sale day.

Pedigree – by the proven Stallion Russian Revolution – the leading first season stallion in the 2020/21 season and the Sire of 175 winner, including 11 Stakes winners and out of the five time winning racemare Artistic Lass, who is a half sister to the Group Two and Group 3 winners, Sistine Angel and Sistine Demon and who has left two winners in Australia already – this is a strong pedigree page

John says “I love it when we can buy the progeny of proven Australian Stallions within our budget. Russian Revolution was an exceptional racehorse, winning seven times on the track and has already left a number of very good race horses including the Group One Randwick Guineas winner, Communist”

Click HERE to see her sales page

Click HERE to see her sales parade

Yearling Filly by Russian Revolution out of Artistic Lass

Mark Walker says “John, Lot 170 from the Magic Millions sale is a beautiful Russian Revolution Filly out of the five time winning Myboycharlie racemare, Artistic Lass – she is a lovely walking Filly, very athletic. I think this Filly will be an early runner and make a really nice two-year-old with the scope to train on to be a good three-year-old – there is some really good two-year-old form in the family – I thought she was particularly good buying at A$100,000 Australian and we are excited to have her joining our stable”

David Ellis says “John, this Russian Revolution Filly caught our attention during inspections, she is an early foal (8th September) of good medium size, very strong, has a lovely free flowing walk, vetted perfectly and is exceptional value at A$100k – once again you have managed to secure a quality Filly within your budget range”

She is now registered for the Magic Millions Race Series – this is a Series now worth over A$15m – here are the races she will be eligible to be nominated for at the Magic Million’s Race Days

  • January 2026 – the A$3m Magic Millions Classic for 2yo’s 1200m
  • May 2026  – the A$1m National 2yo Classic 1000m
  • January 2027 – the A$3m Magic Millions Guineas
  • January 2027 – the A$3m 1100m 3yo Sprint 
  • Subsequent years she will be eligible for any of the A$1m races for older horses on the Magic Millions Carnival Day

Note that only horses that have been acquired at a MM Sale and have been enrolled for the Race Series are eligible to be nominated for these races

Of course, given the prizemoney on offer, all of these races are well sought after and all runners that wish to accept are graded by ratings points

I have done the numbers and here is how they work out –

Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $13k

10% share $18,600, 5% share $9,300, 2.5% share $4,650, 1% share $1,860 with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$50 per month per each 1% share

Paperwork will be finalised over the next few days but we are taking expressions of interest and now is your chance to “express interest” in this filly and if you do, you will be guaranteed a share  – simply register interest by responding to this update via the link HERE  advising the percentage that you would like to put your hand up for – or simply email me direct or call/text 021 921 460

This Filly will travel back to New Zealand in the coming week and enjoy 8 weeks or so in the paddock ahead of being broken in

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des is back this week – see below

Greetings John and the Fortuna readers

The rich racing continues at Trentham following Grail Seeker’s brilliant win in the TAB Telegraph last Saturday. We have 4 black type races to look forward to this weekend including the Trentham Stakes, the Levin Classic , the Wellesley Stakes and the Thorndon Mile with almost $1.5million in stakes to be shared.
It should be a great day and I’m looking forward to it.
Outside the black type races the under card holds special significance too with a few two year olds hoping to climb the stakes ladder to qualify for the Karaka Million and the there are several horses competing with a hope of making it into the $350,000 Remutaka Classic on Cup Day on Saturday week.

My three to follow on Saturday at Trentham are:

Tardelli, Levin Classic

On paper he shouldn’t beat Savaglee but then again this last start maiden graduate should not be overlooked and represents an option in the exotic bet arena.
After a stylish trial he was expected to outclass the maidens at Matamata and he narrowly but comfortably got the job done.
If you look through his three starts in Sydney he was quite superb with close up finishes behind some serious black type spring performers. For instance he was less than 4 lengths behind the subsequent group one Coolmore winner, Switzerland.
I’ll certainly be working on the exotic bets around Savaglee and Tardelli.

To Cap It All, race 4

What he lacks in race day experience he makes up for it in professionalism. He went as straight as a die in the trial win in a quick time at Counties recently.
He’s up against some tried and true experience but I’ll be keeping a close watch on this $A260,000 Sydney Easter Yearling Sale purchase.

Thorndon mile – Pearl of Alsace

She’s a classy mare with two group one placings to her name.
I liked the way she trialled the other day at Tauranga and she is certainly a chance to get some of the money at good odds against a hot field of milers on Saturday.
Her run in the TAB Mufhasa Classic wasn’t bad. She was the 4th quickest to the line in running 6th on a good track. There’ll be a bit more moisture at Trentham on Saturday and that will suit her.

Let’s also not forget she’s won three 1600m races at Trentham including the Cuddle Stakes.
In fact this is her favourite distance with 5 of her 7 wins coming at 1600m. Her  group 2 placing in November at Tauranga when she beat Ladies Man and race rival Mali Ston is a solid recommendation also that she’s as good as ever. Top rider Michael McNab is back on board and he has 2 wins out of 3 on her.
I suppose the main niggle is the draw but if she gets cover I see no reason why she can’t be a player. I’m sure the way McNab is riding that will be his first task to work out as soon as she jumps from the barrier where to position her.
My Race Tipping Exclusive :
The form analysis is paying off for exotic bet followers. Since last Saturday at Trentham 96 horses have been tipped through this busy week and we’ve had 22 wins and 45 placings.
My top two tips and value and best bet at each meetings with precise reasoning is available to all and sundry via an email to: dcoppins @xtra.co.nz
for just $150 gst inclusive starting this Saturday and running all the way through to February 28. That’s a total of 39 meetings ( average cost per race day is only $3.80).
I’d love to hear from you at anytime from now until 9am on Saturday.

Good punting!

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Happy New Year to all of our readers and may 2025 bring you much joy, happiness, prosperity and of course many winners – see below the annual Galvin Family – Christmas Day photo – as you will see, I am under serious height threat from our 14 year old James and I estimate that in another 12 months Jessica may well be the shortest in the family

Friday Flash – 3rd January 2025

Published 3 January 2025

Marokopa Falls wins at Trentham on debut – 7th Dec 2024 –
Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

Annual Yearling Sales commence with Magic Millions Gold Coast from Tuesday 7th January – John attending

Noel Harris recognised in New Year’s Honours List

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Fortuna has one runner Monday –  in NZ

Otaki – Monday 7th

HAYATE contests the R65 1400 event – race 8 at 5.07pm with Lisa Allpress taking the mount from a wide barrier. Resuming following a long spell and has had two trials to prepare – race plans for this mare are to get her up in trip, so this may be a tad short for her, but has run well fresh in previous campaigns – TAB says “first up last campaign, third of seven at Matamata rating 65/ 1400m on a heavy track” – showing $10/$3.10

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

No timed Fortuna trackwork this week

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Annual Yearling Sales commence with Magic Millions Gold Coast from Tuesday 7th January – John attending

Yes it’s that time of the year again when yearling sales on both sides of the Tasman get underway, with the first sale kicking off next Tuesday on the Gold Coast and I will be attending this sale, this time with my 12-year-old daughter Jasmine as my “apprentice”. David Ellis, Mark Walker, Reece Trumper and Marcus Corban are on site already undertaking inspections and I will be looking at the Fortuna “shortlist” with them when I arrive on Monday – this has been a great sale for us over the years with every purchase we have made that has been to the races having won, apart from Porcia Catonis who got beaten a nose at Riccarton in early December at just her second race start.

Looking ahead, I plan to attend attend the NZ Bloodstock Yearling Sale at Karaka 26th – 30th January and also the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney, early February

As always, we will be publishing “Breaking News” updates as we make purchases. The MM Sale will be live streamed by the way – that live stream can be accessed from the link below – the full catalogue can also be viewed at this link

https://catalogue.magicmillions.com.au/sale/25GPR

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Noel Harris recognised in New Year’s Honours List

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
31 December 2024
The New Zealand Thoroughbred racing industry is celebrating the exceptional achievements of legendary Jockey Noel Harris
Noel Harris: New Zealand Order of Merit for Lifetime Achievements in Horse Racing
Legendary Jockey Noel Harris has been appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred racing. This prestigious award highlights a lifetime of exceptional achievements, dedication and service to the industry that has defined Harris’ life and career. Known to most as “Harry,” Noel Harris is a name synonymous with success in New Zealand’s Jockey ranks. Across a career spanning more than 40 years, Harris achieved 2167 victories, including multiple Group 1 triumphs both in New Zealand and internationally. His career stands as a testament to his incredible skills and resilience.
Harris’ journey began in the 1970s when he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after Jockeys. Born into a racing family, his father Jock Harris was also a jockey. Among his most memorable victories were wins on New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inductees Castletown and Poetic Prince. His success extended internationally, earning him respect on both sides of the Tasman.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition and humbled by the journey that has brought me here,” said Harris. “Racing has been my life and this award is a reflection of the incredible people I’ve worked with, the Owners, Trainers, and of course the horses, that have helped shape my career. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to a sport that has given me so much.”
In addition to his remarkable achievements on the track, Harris continues his dedication as the Northern Apprentice Jockey Mentor for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR). Over the past few years, he has mentored countless young apprentice Jockeys, sharing his wisdom and experience with the next generation of talented riders.
“Noel Harris is a true legend of our sport and his appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit is richly deserved,” said Russell Warwick, Chairman of NZTR. “His achievements on the track are remarkable, but it’s his role as a mentor, advocate, and ambassador for New Zealand racing that continues to set him apart,” Warwick said.

John says, “Earlier this week when reporting to you about the retirement of Opie Bosson I mentioned that Opie had ridden my first ever winner trained by Te Akau, Kapsdan, however that was not my first taste of success on the race track as I had raced my very first horse in the 1980s, that being Templequay trained by the late Barney Lumsden at Foxton. Templequay, despite only costing $3000 when purchased, managed to win five races with the first of those (on debut as I recall) at Wararapa/Carterton on  10th Feb 1988 in the hands of none other than the incomparable Noel Harris. I didn’t really know Noel in those days of course, but since starting up Fortuna in 2007 I have got to know him well and we have developed a warm association over the years – I do remember teasing him on more than one occasion because, despite having several opportunities, including once or twice going down in head bobbing finishes, Noel didn’t ever ride another winner for me.

However there is no question that this award is extremely well deserved for an individual who not only made his mark in an emphatic way during his riding career, but has continued to contribute to the industry in his role as apprentice jockey mentor. Well done Noel

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Des is “on furlough” this week and will return for next week’s edition Friday 10th January

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Friday Flash – 26th December 2024

Published 26 December 2024

 

Marokopa Falls wins at Trentham on debut – 7th Dec 2024 –
Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

Our Friday Flash is being published on Thursday this week

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Fortuna has six runners Thursday, Friday, Saturday – all in NZ

Wingatui – Boxing Day

QUEEN CONSORT contests the Maiden 1400 event – race 1 at 12.05pm with Ashvin Goindasamy taking the mount from a wide barrier. Disappointed on debut when sent out on a hot fave, but seemed not to handle the synthetic surface – has been working exceptionally well, but has wide draw and a Heavy track to contend with and will need luck – TAB says “improver here for sure, trifecta and first four chance” – showing $9/$3

SAILING AWAY races in the R65 1600 event – race 4 at 1.45pm with Diego Montes De Oca to ride  from barrier 9. Very good when resuming this grade and trip 21/11 at Timaru finishing a close up 4th – has taken good improvement from that run – wet track is a query but if he cops it will be right in this at the finish – TAB says “strips fitter and is sure to prove hard to beat” – showing $5/$2.05
NB – is a dual acceptor for Race 8 and would run in that if there are 3 scratchings

STAR SHADOW contests the Listed 3yo Fillies event over 1400m  – race 7 at 3.31pm with Ashvin Goindasamy to ride  from barrier 9. Average when resuming Trentham 7th Dec but had excuses – has more than her share of ability and should handle the wet track  – TAB says “better than fresh run shows – drawn out – quinella and trifecta must” – showing $6/$2.15

New Plymouth – Friday 27th

ANGELS  WINGS resumes in the R65 1100 event – race 4 at 2.34pm with Craig Grylls to ride  from barrier 4. Has not greeted the judge for 11 months but very rarely runs a bad race – TAB says “twice trialed and ready to go fresh up – can handle all types of footing – top tier must” – showing $6/$1.55

RAGAMUFFIN contests the R75 event over 1600m  – race 7 at 4.39pm with Craig Grylls to ride  from barrier 2. Strong last start winner this trip R65 grade Woodville 17/11 –  this is harder, but great draw and top hoop aboard – good top three chance  – TAB says “class riser – drops 1.5 kg here and drawn well – has won on dry and wet ground” – showing $7/$2.15

Timaru – Saturday 28th

PORCIA CATONIS goes to the races for the 3rd time when contesting the Maiden 1200m  the R75 event   – race 2 at 2.10pm with Diego Montes De Oca to ride  from an outside barrier. Hopeless this track on debut 21/11, she was desperately unlucky not to win when 2nd up, beaten a nose at Riccarton 6/12 after a 3 wide trip from a wide barrier. Gets no respite again with barriers, drawing the outside in a big field, so will need luck to feature –  TAB says “wide draw, but is in a very winnable race here” – No odds showing yet

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Saturday 21st December – Riccarton

Porcia Catonis (H Durrant) worked over 1000 metres in 1.11.3, home in 40.82.

Queen Consort (H Durrant) and Star Shadow (D Montes de Oca) worked over 1000 metres in 1.07.42, home in 37.89.

Saturday 21st December – Cranbourne

Dreamflight (C Wilson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.5, home in 36.78.

Leaderboard (R Armes) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.7, home in 37.24.

Tuesday 24th December – Riccarton

Star Shadow (D Montes de Oca) worked over 1000 metres in 1.13.61, home in 42.24.
Tuesday 24th December – Cranbourne

Leaderboard (C Wilson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.13.4, home in 39.64.

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Compliments of the season to you John, your family and the army of Fortuna fans and good luck with all your runners over the festive period.

We have some great racing to look forward to on Boxing Day.

The 3 horses I handed out last week should not to be ignored when next produced. They didn’t all get the rub of the green  i.e Kingfisher ( restained to rear, over raced and threw his head up, had trouble finding racing room); Waiata ( checked at 350m with second quickest last 200) and Paravane ( 3 lengths from the winner in a handy maiden field where you’ll see some good solid form).

Here’s a multi to consider on Boxing Day. At time of writing both Ellerslie and Otaki are showing “ good” surfaces.

Ellerslie race three: Irish Legacy.

She was the best bet the last time she raced and it’s hard not to think this rising star won’t be my best bet come Thursday. She attacked a narrow gap and the line with great gusto three weeks ago and I can see a carbon copy performance again.

The Prophet, race 2 Otaki

Sam Collett is over from Queensland to do the riding and it should be a welcome return to the winners circle on home soil. He’s a progressive stayer who looked the part in winning at Trentham last time and punters should be flocking to him again. I can see him in Cup class on the next preparation.

Northeasterly, race one, Otaki

He got on heels from a wide draw first up for the season at Te Aroha but dashed home quicker than any other runner in all sectionals. The runner up in that race subsequently won over the rating 60’s at Matamata while the 5th horse that day finished third next time to the races.

At the time of the writing the odds on all 3 winning are around 32 to one.

My invitation for Fortuna readers to join up as a subscriber to my full email tipping service remains. You can either choose the one month sub ( January 1- January 31) for $100 or, the 3 month deal of $240 ( January 1 to March 31). Confirm now and you’ll receive individually my complimentary tips for Boxing Day and the rest of this month!

Simply email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and all will be revealed

Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

John says, Merry Christmas to you and your family also Des – I constantly hear from many of our Fortuna clients who have subscribed to your full tipping service expressing happiness and delight at the winning consistency of your selections, particularly the “best bets” – keep up the good work in 2025

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Friday Flash – 20th December 2024

Published 20 December 2024

Marokopa Falls wins at Trentham on debut – 7th Dec 2024 –
Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline NewsDavid Ellis to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame

Fortuna 2yo Filly Titahi Bay wins at the trials again – will now debut Listed Wellesly Stakes Trentham 11th January

Shares in Colour Sergeant moving quickly – just 30% left

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Fortuna has just  one runner this weekTrentham – Saturday

MAROKOPA FALLS contests the Group Two Wakefield Challenge Stakes – race 3 at 2.57pm with Craig Grylls taking the mount from barrier 2 in a six horse field. Powerful debut winning performance this track over 1000m two weeks ago – work has been strong since that run – has not missed a beat since her debut win and has taken significant improvement also  – is a worthy favourite here and can win – TAB says “winning chance in what appears a suitable race” – showing $2.40 /$1.18

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Thursday 19th December – Riccarton

Sailing Away (D Montes de Oca) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.26.7, last 600 in 38.1.
Porcia Catonis (D Montes de Oca) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.8, last 600 in 38.2.
Queen Consort (D Montes de Oca) and Star Shadow (H Durrant) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.2, home in 36.9.

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Other News

David Ellis to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame

Story by Dennis Ryan

More than four decades after his first experience as a winning owner, David Ellis has been recognised with induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Since that first success with the Sovereign Edition filly Magnum at Paeroa in 1978, Ellis has been involved at all levels of racing as an administrator, breeder, buyer and his major footprint, as the founder of New Zealand’s most successful racehorse syndication model, Te Akau.

“I was in my early twenties when I won that race at Paeroa all those years ago, and I thought it was the biggest thrill you could have in life,” Ellis said this week as he reflected on his life in racing. “My trainer Bill Ford came with me into the winner’s room, but he had another horse in the next race that he had to saddle up and I ended up celebrating my first ever win by myself. “That made me think there’s got to be a better way to do this, I realised that I’d rather celebrate together with other people, and that was the beginning of my idea to syndicate horses, bringing people together to enjoy the thrill of winning.”

Ellis was still racing horses in his singular name when he won his first Group One race, the 1986 Easter Handicap, with the Ford-trained Cosmetique, by when his colours were becoming increasingly familiar. “Early on Bill advised me that I should register colours that stood out, that everyone could see, so I thought a good strong colour would be tangerine. I couldn’t get the single colour so I added the blue stars for contrast. As the years have gone by, I think it would be fair to say the tangerine and blue have definitely become well recognised!”

Brand recognition for Ellis has come about by setting goals and surrounding himself with the right people – and horses – to achieve them. Mark Walker has been integral to that success, from the time he was employed by Ellis as an 18-year-old, to setting new benchmarks from his original platform at Te Akau’s Matamata training operation, adding further premierships in Singapore and having prepared an unprecedented 203 New Zealand winners in the 2022-23 season, now at the helm of a tri-stable operation that has expanded to Riccarton and a major Australian foothold at Cranbourne. Another vital team member is Ellis’s wife Karyn, whose key role is managing day-to-day business matters and in particular bringing together the many layers that make up Te Akau’s syndication model.

“There are so many people who without them, I couldn’t have achieved all this,” says the man in the middle. “Karyn runs the business now, which frees me up to run the farm and buy the horses. Mark and have worked together over a long period of time, it’s been a fantastic relationship and he now heads a massive team, from his training partner Sam Bergerson, our assistant trainers Ben Gleeson, Nicole Shailer and Hunter Durrant and our racing manager Reece Trumper, right through to all our staff, our vets and farriers, everybody who works so hard to achieve our goals. It’s quite incredible to think that when Captured By Love won the New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton last month, that was the 98th Group One winner by horses that I’ve either bought, bred or managed under the Te Akau umbrella.”

As well as enjoying such a raft of success, Ellis has also immersed himself in racing industry administration, beginning as a steward with the Waikato Racing Club and covering the full spectrum through to the national body.

“I started at the Waikato Racing as a steward when Ken Brown was chairman and I went up to the committee under Herbie Dyke, eventually becoming chairman myself. During that time I was also chairman of the Waikato District Committee and served on the board of the New Zealand Racing Conference, then NZ Thoroughbred Racing, and NZ Thoroughbred Marketing.”

Various accolades acknowledging his input include the 2017 NZTR Outstanding Contribution to Racing Excellence and he was awarded the CNZM (Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) on the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Royal Honours list for services to the thoroughbred industry.

Since being advised of his pending induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, which will become official at the induction dinner in May, Ellis has had cause to reflect on his latest accolade. “Any award, whether you’re recognised by your peers or by a higher body, is very humbling and this is certainly no different,” he said. “It’s an absolute honour to think that I’m being acknowledged alongside people who I have admired massively over the years – people like my great late friend Colin Jillings, other hugely successful trainers like Dave O’Sullivan and Jim Gibbs, and industry icons such as Sir Patrick Hogan and Sir Peter Vela. As I keep reminding myself, what I’ve achieved, the recognition I’ve been accorded, none of that would have been possible without those people I’ve already mentioned and so many others – they’ve all made their own contribution. I just want to say a massive thank you to them all, whether they’ve worked for Te Akau over the years, or owners who have invested in our horses, those breeders who have produced so many wonderful performers and everyone who has been part of our success.”

Sourcing his next crop of potential stars is never far from the Ellis mindset, and right now that means scanning catalogues and inspecting drafts for the upcoming summer sales round.

As some measure of that level of investment, in the past year Ellis has signed for 76 young horses at a total value in the region of $25 million.

“It takes a lot of courage to put your hand up and commit to that level, but it’s what we do, bring in long-standing owners as well as new ones and then set to work making their dreams come true. I’m so lucky to do for a living what is also my hobby and to have so many wonderful people supporting me. I’ve always set out to raise the bar and will continue to. By next year we’ll have 70 horses in training at our Cranbourne stable as well as maintaining our numbers in New Zealand.

“It’s incredible to think there are now 105 races worth $1 million or more in Australia – that’s an average of two per week – and it’s fantastic to see the advances we’ve made in New Zealand with the involvement of Entain. Stakes have virtually doubled in the past 18 months and with so many new races like the NZB Kiwi, Champions Day in March, major stakes increases across the board, right down to going to a midweek meeting and racing for $25,000 – all that was unheard of not that long ago.Now it’s important that NZTR, Entain and the TAB work together along with every member of the industry make the most of the opportunity that we now have. That’s what I’ll be doing and so will everyone else I’m associated with – it’s what I’ve always done and will continue to for the good of racing.”

John says “This is a richly deserved reward for David Ellis – unquestionably he has broken new ground with the strength and breadth of the Te Akau training/syndication operation, achieving a scale of success which is unprecedented in the history of New Zealand racing – and that coupled with David’s background as a Club Committeeman, Club Chairman and National Administrator, combines to make him as an individual, one of the truly greats of New Zealand thoroughbred history”

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Fortuna 2yo Filly Titahi Bay wins at the trials again – will now debut Listed Wellesly Stakes Trentham 11th January

Off the back of an impressive trial win at Pukekohe last Tuesday, her second trial win from two trial starts, Titahi Bay (Spirit of Boom – Aotearower), will make her race day debut at Trentham on the 11th of January. She breaks new ground here for a Fortuna two year-old as this is the first time we have sent a 2yo to the races on debut to contest a “black type” event.

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Shares in Colour Sergeant moving quickly – just 30% left

The newly acquired Colour Sergeant has quickly adapted to his new environment at Cranbourne and is coming to hand quickly in the hands of Mark Walker

Mark reports “John, you have done well acquiring this horse – he is really thriving in the Cranbourne environment – since arriving here, he has really picked up in the coat, loves his feed bin and he really enjoys working on the sand dune track we have here, these older horses just love getting their hooves down into the very forgiving surface that track provides – he has adapted here really well and will head to the jumpouts late January and then be off to the races after that.”

Read all about Colour Sergeant below

By the right, quick march – Colour Sergeant is on parade!!!

Lovely Staying Type – Potential Jumping prospect – great value here at just $450 per each 1% share

Well we have managed to have do it again – that is, buying a proven galloper with a top pedigree for not a lot of money – hot on the heels of us buying Dreamflight (by Frankel) in September for just A$30k, we have now acquired the Northern Hemisphere bred seven-year-old Colour Sergeant (by Kingman) for just A$15k off the Inglis Digital Sale

Born in March 2018, Colour Sergeant is still only six years old, turning seven in March 2025 – he had 10 starts in Ireland for a win and nine minor placings, before being brought down to Australia where he raced out of the stable of Matthew Smith in NSW for a further 27 starts winning 3 times (Canberra, Scone and Randwick) and running into the money on several occasions. In recent times, he has been out of form and clearly his Ownership Group ran out of patience and they offered him for sale.

Mark Walker and I always scour the offerings on Inglis Digital looking for types that we think are genuine stayers and also have the potential to be jumping prospects. We identified this horse as having a genuine staying pedigree, and who had got down to a very low rating in the handicaps. We also noted that, despite being Irish bred and having run over decent trips as a 2yo and 3yo (up to 2400m) in Ireland, he only had a handful of starts at 2000m in Australia, where he usually ran in the money and then they would revert him to shorter trips.

Our interest was piqued, so we had him vetted by one of our very good NSW Vets (Paddy Todhunter based in Scone) and he passed with Colours Flying. Paddy did comment on his feet, saying that he needed to be reshod and some adjustments made and that is exactly what happened with Dreamflight also – his feet and shoeing needed a lot of attention and we have been training him without shoes and within a few weeks, his hooves have grown back naturally, he is a lot better in the coat, his action is significantly improved and he now licks his feedbowl clean – and that is what we will be doing with Colour Sergeant also.

In addition to that, these former NSW based horses just thrive at Cranbourne – they love the big open spaces, the sand dune based gallops, the uphill galloping track and the nearby beach, which we use a lot.

Mark of course, loves his jumpers and he has already been schooling Dreamflight and Colour Sergeant will do the same also in due course.

Mark says, “John, well done on securing Colour Sergeant for not a lot of money – I have been through all of his races and he ran some very encouraging minor placings in good company at the metropolitan tracks but I do feel when I look at his pedigree page that he just needs to get over more ground.  The beauty of this horse is with him now being at Cranbourne and down to a rating of 61, he will get plenty of opportunity to make his mark in relatively weak company over decent trips – we have bought three or four of this type of horse in recent times including Midnight Blue who won the Seymour Cup for us a few weeks ago and of course as you know we have made giant strides with Dreamflight whom you bought in September.  Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, one of the leading Sires in Great Britain and the female side of the family has produced a succession of really good stayers over several generations. So what we will do with this horse is train him without shoes for a while and let his feet grow naturally, get him working out in the sand dune tracks here at Cranbourne, get him working up the hill track also and get him out to the beach from time to time. I’m aiming to get him to a jumpout in late January and all going well we should then be off to the races. He will also get plenty of schooling as I think this horse could be one that is a great jumping prospect – physically he is a very attractive type of horse who moves well, he vetted well, and I think your owners are going to have a lot of fun with him, particularly given that you haven’t paid a lot of money for him”

Initially, our plan had been to spell him for three or four weeks after he had arrived at Cranbourne but Mark was actually there when he arrived and after having a good look at him and getting the farriers advice he’s decided to put him straight into light work and prepare him for a jump out towards the end of January

Click HERE to see his winning run over 1600m at Randwick

Click HERE to see him parading at Cranbourne with voiceover from Mark

Colour Sergeant

Pedigree

Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, the winner of eight races in Europe and a leading Stallion in Great Britain (currently 4th on the General Sires list as the 2024 season draws to a close). His Dam is the German bred Quilita, a winner at 1800m and Group 3 placed – she is also the dam of seven foals to the races, six of whom have been winners. This is a prolific German family of genuine staying types over several generations

See his pedigree below

All up he is to be syndicated for NZ$45,000 – this includes his sale price, Aus GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k Full details, including the syndicate disclosure statement and syndicate agreement can be seen on the Fortuna website at the link HERE and orders can be made directly off this link also

Terms

  • Shares available right down to 1%.
  • 10% share $4,500, 5% share $2,250, 2.5% share $1,125, 1% share $450 – with ongoing costs from 1 January 2025 @$60 per month per each 1% share
  • Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, Aus GST, Promoters fees, Vet fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, and working capital of just over $10k
  • Monthly ongoing costs from 1stJanuary 2025 – from that date ongoing costs are –10% share $600 per month – 5% share $300 per month – 2.5% share $150 per month – 1% share $60 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

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 

Greetings John and Fortuna followers,

Another very exciting week looms and I’ll be at Trentham on Saturday for the Manawatu Cup meeting

I’m expecting to see the very professional Marokopa Falls, with the winning experience down the TAB chute, to give John and Fortuna owners a big thrill again as she goes up against stablemate Cool Aza Rene and others in the Happy Hire $175,000 Wakefield Challenge Stakes.
It’s a prized trophy steeped in wonderful history with the likes of  Daryl’s Joy, Our Maizcay, Jimmy Choux, Happyanunoit and Wahid just a few of the memorable winners in the 64 year history.
Can the Fortuna filly do it? I reckon she will!

Last week the three horses we mentioned as big winners this summer are all on point; if I was forced to have a bet now on the Wellington Cup on January 18 I’d be sticking with Testify Me who came from almost last on the turn to grind away with the third quickest final sectionals in the Waikato Cup. Yaldi cost himself dearly when  he star gazed over the final furlong when looking all over the winner while Karman Line, who may have found the 1400m too sharp,  still ran the 4th fastest last 200 in running 8th. A race like the Rich Hill Mile may be a target. Keep her in mind.

This week my three to follow are:

Paravane, race 3 Te Rapa

She trialled well twice last autumn before being set aside but she’s been working well since from all reports; capped off by a comfortable trial win at Counties where she ran straight and true.
She’s on debut but I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t measure up.
The Te Akau team have some quality three year olds and to note that Paravane holds a spot in the Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic tells us plenty!

Kingfisher, race 4 Trentham

This horse always wins third up and while he’s second up this weekend he had two trials before resuming at Tauranga the other week and you can rest assured he will be nigh on perfect for Trentham.
The Wexford stables are in a purple patch of form lately and they’ve provided a fair bit of value for punters along the way and we’ve got some, too!
Around the $12 mark, Kingfisher is certainly worth an each way play.

My third horse to follow, Waiata, another from the Wexford barn, has accepted for three races; two at Matamata on Friday and one at Te Rapa.
Don’t let it slip under your guard.
It may well race in the opener at Matamata where the odds at time of writing are around the $8 mark. If it can get past Tardelli, it’ll go very close.
The trials have been superb.

Stop Press:

We’ve had a very good run this season; the odd skip up but overall our Best Bets in particular have kept us on the right side of the ledger.
Let’s do a Xmas gift for a close mate, if you are already a subscriber, or for your good self.
We have over 40 race days between now and January 31 with some excellent racing at big carnivals.
I’m offering the full email race by race tipping service with the Best Bets and Value Bets for just $100 gst inclusive starting on Boxing Day as my Xmas gift to Fortuna followers for this rich racing period.

If you’re keen drop me an email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz
It’s Xmas after all!

Can I wish you and family and close friends  a very merry time of it over the next few days ; stay safe and of course, good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Friday Flash – 13th December 2024

Published 13 December 2024

Marokopa Falls wins at Trentham on debut – 7th Dec 2024 –
Craig Grylls aboard

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Headline News

TAB NZ to be granted by Government legislation the exclusive rights for online wagering in New Zealand –  this will provide nd immediate $100m windfall to the racing industry from Entain once the legislation is passed

Fortuna acquires the proven Irish bred staying type COLOUR SERGEANT from NSW as a staying/jumping prospect – to be based at Cranbourne

Our debut 2yo winner Marokopa Falls in the news

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Fortuna has just  one runner this week

Tauranga – Friday

INCA BELLE contests the Rating 65 meter event – race 7 at 6.32pm with Opie Bosson taking the mount from an inside barrier draw. Has run 2nd this track last two starts – work has been really strong this week – is very fit and primed to take this out with good draw and top rioder major assists. TAB says “Dual winner here – win chance for sure” – showing $3.60 /$1.60

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 10th December – Matamata

Inca Belle (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.08.8, home in 39.32.

Cranbourne

Dreamflight (L Winks) worked over 800 metres in 57.8, home in 37.26.

Leaderboard (L Winks) worked over 1000 metres in 1.08.9, home in 38.22.

Thursday 12th December – Matamata

Hayate (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.09.6, home in 38.24.

Titahi Bay (O Bosson) worked over 800 metres in 56.7, home in 38.11.

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Other News

 

TAB NZ to be granted by Government legislation the exclusive rights for online wagering in New Zealand –  this will provide and immediate $100m windfall to the racing industry from Entain once the legislation is passed

NZTR welcomes government announcement on legislative net

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is thrilled by the government announcement to introduce a “legislative net” granting TAB NZ the exclusive rights for online wagering in New Zealand.

NZTR Chairman Russell Warwick applauded the Rt Hon Winston Peters for his continued support of the NZ racing industry. “This announcement is yet another significant milestone for New Zealand racing that has been facilitated by the Minister for Racing and is a major piece of the puzzle to ensure racing is sustainable long-term,” Warwick said. “The NZTR Board and management would like to thank the Rt Hon Winston Peters, his coalition government, and all parties involved for delivering a critical outcome that will have an immensely positive impact on racing.” The Minister for racing has been the architect and visionary behind the resurgence of racing in New Zealand and his relentless support is greatly appreciated by the entire industry.”

TAB NZ has estimated Kiwis lose $180 million annually to offshore operators. TAB NZ CEO Nick Roberts believes this decision will see those funds returned to the industry while also properly regulating wagering activity.

“This is a positive outcome which will have national impact. Retaining this money in New Zealand will not only maximise funding to our communities instead of providing profits to foreign companies but also ensure Kiwis can bet in a safe and regulated environment,” Roberts said.

In June 2023, TAB NZ commenced a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement with sports-betting and gaming group Entain for the delivery of TAB NZ’s betting operations.

TAB NZ will receive a one-off payment of $100m from Entain once the legislation is in effect, in addition to increased revenue share and other payments over the remainder of the 25-year strategic partnership.

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Fortuna acquires the proven Irish bred staying type COLOUR SERGEANT from NSW as a staying/jumping prospect – to be based at Cranbourne
 
By the right, quick march – Colour Sergeant is on parade!!!
 
Lovely Staying Type – Potential Jumping prospect – great value here at just $450 per each 1% share
 
Well we have managed to have do it again – that is, buying a proven galloper with a top pedigree for not a lot of money – hot on the heels of us buying Dreamflight (by Frankel) in September for just A$30k, we have now acquired the Northern Hemisphere bred seven-year-old Colour Sergeant (by Kingman) for just A$15k off the Inglis Digital Sale

Born in March 2018, Colour Sergeant is still only six years old, turning seven in March 2025 – he had 10 starts in Ireland for a win and nine minor placings, before being brought down to Australia where he raced out of the stable of Matthew Smith in NSW for a further 27 starts winning 3 times (Canberra, Scone and Randwick) and running into the money on several occasions. In recent times, he has been out of form and clearly his Ownership Group ran out of patience and they offered him for sale.

Mark Walker and I always scour the offerings on Inglis Digital looking for types that we think are genuine stayers and also have the potential to be jumping prospects. We identified this horse as having a genuine staying pedigree, and who had got down to a very low rating in the handicaps. We also noted that, despite being Irish bred and having run over decent trips as a 2yo and 3yo (up to 2400m) in Ireland, he only had a handful of starts at 2000m in Australia, where he usually ran in the money and then they would revert him to shorter trips.

Our interest was piqued, so we had him vetted by one of our very good NSW Vets (Paddy Todhunter based in Scone) and he passed with Colours Flying. Paddy did comment on his feet, saying that he needed to be reshod and some adjustments made and that is exactly what happened with Dreamflight also – his feet and shoeing needed a lot of attention and we have been training him without shoes and within a few weeks, his hooves have grown back naturally, he is a lot better in the coat, his action is significantly improved and he now licks his feedbowl clean – and that is what we will be doing with Colour Sergeant also.

In addition to that, these former NSW based horses just thrive at Cranbourne – they love the big open spaces, the sand dune based gallops, the uphill galloping track and the nearby beach, which we use a lot.

Mark of course, loves his jumpers and he has already been schooling Dreamflight and Colour Sergeant will do the same also in due course.

Mark says, “John, well done on securing Colour Sergeant for not a lot of money – I have been through all of his races and he ran some very encouraging minor placings in good company at the metropolitan tracks but I do feel when I look at his pedigree page that he just needs to get over more ground.  The beauty of this horse is with him now being at Cranbourne and down to a rating of 61, he will get plenty of opportunity to make his mark in relatively weak company over decent trips – we have bought three or four of this type of horse in recent times including Midnight Blue who won the Seymour Cup for us a few weeks ago and of course as you know we have made giant strides with Dreamflight whom you bought in September.  Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, one of the leading Sires in Great Britain and the female side of the family has produced a succession of really good stayers over several generations. So what we will do with this horse is train him without shoes for a while and let his feet grow naturally, get him working out in the sand dune tracks here at Cranbourne, get him working up the hill track also and get him out to the beach from time to time. I’m aiming to get him to a jumpout in late January and all going well we should then be off to the races. He will also get plenty of schooling as I think this horse could be one that is a great jumping prospect – physically he is a very attractive type of horse who moves well, he vetted well, and I think your owners are going to have a lot of fun with him, particularly given that you haven’t paid a lot of money for him”

Initially, our plan had been to spell him for three or four weeks after he had arrived at Cranbourne but Mark was actually there when he arrived and after having a good look at him and getting the farriers advice he’s decided to put him straight into light work and prepare him for a jump out towards the end of January

Click HERE to see his winning run over 1600m at Randwick

Click HERE to see him parading at Cranbourne with voiceover from Mark

Colour Sergeant

Pedigree

Colour Sergeant is by Kingman, the winner of eight races in Europe and a leading Stallion in Great Britain (currently 4th on the General Sires list as the 2024 season draws to a close. His Dam is the German bred Quilita, a winner at 1800m and Group 3 placed – she is also the dam of seven foals to the races, six of whom have been winners. This is a prolific German family of genuine staying types over several generations

See his pedigree below

All up he is to be syndicated for NZ$45,000 – this includes his sale price, Aus GST, Promoters Fees, Vet fees, insurance through to 31 Jan 2026 and a healthy working capital figure of just under $12k Full details, including the syndicate disclosure statement and syndicate agreement can be seen on the Fortuna website at the link HERE and orders can be made directly off this link also – we have not paid a lot of money for this horse and so I’m sure he will be very popular with clients so if you have interest, please do not procrastinate

Terms

  • Shares available right down to 1%.
  • 10% share $4,500, 5% share $2,250, 2.5% share $1,125, 1% share $450 – with ongoing costs from 1 January 2025 @$60 per month per each 1% share
  • Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, Aus GST, Promoters fees, Vet fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2026, and working capital of just over $10k
  • Monthly ongoing costs from 1stJanuary 2025 – from that date ongoing costs are –10% share $600 per month – 5% share $300 per month – 2.5% share $150 per month – 1% share $60 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

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Our debut 2yo winner Marokopa Falls in the news
 

LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

8 December 2024

Marokopa Falls shines on debut

Te Akau Racing and Fortuna Racing have a remarkable association with two-year-old fillies and they unveiled another exciting prospect at Trentham on Saturday in the form of Marokopa Falls.

The daughter of Hellbent was not fully tested in her sole trial appearance at Taupo on November 26, and in a compact four-horse juvenile field on debut, she closed a $3.50 second-favourite behind race-winner Too Sweet ($1.80).

Each of the quartet jumped positively and with plenty of early speed, Too Sweet found the rail and the lead as they descended down the TAB chute. Marokopa Falls shadowed the filly throughout and got on even terms as they straightened, and after breaking away from Abbakiss and Ferrari, the pair set to fight out the finish with Marokopa Falls finding an extra kick under Craig Grylls to score by a half-length at the post.

Grylls, who currently leads the national jockey’s premiership narrowly over Sam Spratt, was complimentary of the filly’s first-up effort.

“She was well prepared for today,” he said. “She hopped away nice to sit outside the leader, was little bit green coming across the junction, as they quite often can be, but once balanced she let down really nicely.

“She was very professional, a nice mover, and for her first go after only one trial it was pretty impressive.”

Mark Walker, who prepares the Te Akau contingent alongside Sam Bergerson, indicated Marokopa Falls would return to Trentham at short notice, with the Gr.2 Happy Hire Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) her next assignment.

“She has a lot of natural ability and will take further improvement from the trip away and the win,” Walker said.

“Her next start will be in the Group Two Wakefield Stakes and it would be great to get some black type at just her second start.”

The stable won last year’s edition of the Wakefield with subsequent Group One-winning filly Captured By Love, who like Marokopa Falls, was purchased out of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The latter was secured by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin for $57,500, the exact figure the pair outlaid to buy their 14-time Group One winner Melody Belle.

In the early stages of her illustrious career, Melody Belle won the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), a race Marokopa Falls is ineligible for as an Australian-bought filly.

Galvin was on course to witness the victory, alongside several members of the Fortuna Marokopa Falls Syndicate.

“It was a lovely win from a lovely filly that the team obviously have a lot of time for,” Galvin said.

“It’s not usual for us to send a two-year-old to the races off the back of one trial, so going there today gave us an indication of what the trainers think of her. She was very professional and relaxed in the birdcage and she showed those same attributes during the race.

“She was bought for the same price as Melody Belle, so if she could be half as good as her then we’d have to be very happy, wouldn’t we?.”

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Guest Selector – Des Coppins

Gee Dez is having a great run with his full service best bet selections – every race day he selects one “best bet” and remarkably 12 of the last 16 have come in – we have a number of Fortuna clients who are subscribers to Des full service and I know they are filling their boots at the present time

Greetings John and Fortuna Team

Wasn’t your two year old Marokopa Falls impressive on Saturday?
She may have only beaten three others but there were two last start winners in the field including  an odds on favourite but her professionalism was the key to her performance.
She strode out like one that was having her 4th or 5th start, not just her first!
There should be a lot more to come on that display!

Our three horses from last week, Arby ( unlucky again!); Beast of Burden ( powered into 3rd with the quickest sectionals) and Gee Cee ( the jury’s out!).

We’ve had some great collects for the subscribers to the email service including 19 to one Dua Dance on Sunday as the Value Bet of the day as one of the highlights matched only by the Best Bets  with 12 wins from the last 16 meetings!

It’s never too late to join.

Drop me an email: dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and at $200 ( gst inclusive)which takes you right up until the last race day in February and   who knows, it may turn out to be the  Xmas present you’ve always wanted????

The great racing continues this weekend including Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa.

Here are my three to follow not only on Saturday but throughout the summer.

Karman Line, race 6

She’s a class act who ran a pearler first up at Pukekohe three weeks ago.
The wet ground didn’t suit so early in her preparation and in 6th place she finished just over one length from second after copping a slight check inside the last 200.
It was the run of a definite improver.
Let’s not forget she beat La Crique in stakes company last season and she has performed well at Te Rapa in the past.
She should go close.

Yaldi, race 5

It’s great to see this three year old back and he’s not far off from the very best!
He rates highly in this race after a comfortable trial win at Pukekohe two weeks ago.
For the record, he’s unbeaten in NZ and his two other starts were in Melbourne, running third in stakes company at Flemington in April and missing out completely in a group three in Caulfield. The latter effort was no disgrace when you consider the winner, Growing Empire subsequently ran third to Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick in The Everest.

Testify Me, Waikato Cup, r8

You’ll know now that I’m a big fan of this horse. I’ve already singled him out as a leading Cups contender in this column and after his strong run into third in the Wanganui Cup a couple of weeks ago there’ll be a number of punters keen to follow the lead.
He likes Te Rapa.
He paid a visit here 13 months to win over 1600m.

My confidence levels are high for all three runners mentioned this week.

Ps the multi – it might be asking too much – at time of writing sits at 90 to one!
Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Fortuna 2yo Filly, MAROKOPA FALLS, wins at her raceday debut Trentham 7th December 2024

Published 8 December 2024

With an air of professionalism beyond her experience, Marokopa Falls (2yo Filly by Hellbent – Beside You, by Ready’s Image) recorded an excellent debut victory in the $65,000 Devon Plastics 2YO 1000 metres on Saturday at Trentham.

Although closing strongly before being held up over the concluding stages in a trial on 26 November at Taupo, Marokopa Falls was away smartly on this occasion to situate outside the leader and race favourite Too Sweet (Satono Aladdin) and while both sprinted hard when asked for their best inside the 200m it was Marokopa Falls that proved strongest over the final 100m.

The was plenty of encouragement coming from the way Marokopa Falls performed in her sole trial, and while expectations could have arisen about being ridden conservatively, she certainly lacked nothing in gate speed to race on terms in front.

“She was well prepared for today,” said jockey Craig Grylls. “She hopped away nice to sit outside the leader, was little bit green coming across the junction, as they quite often can be, but once balanced she let down really nicely. She was very professional, a nice mover, and for her first go after only one trial it was pretty impressive.”

Click HERE to see the race replay

On footing upgraded immediately after race one to Good4, Marokopa Falls ran 1000 metres in 55.6 (approx.) and paid $3.50 (win dividend only in field of four) on the NZ TAB tote, and became the fifth individual two-year-old winner from 10 runners this season for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson.

“It was a really good win and she’s a filly that Dave (Ellis) bought cheaply out of the Gold Coast winter sale, and it’s always great to have another win for John & Jessica Galvin and their owners,” Walker said. “She has a lot of natural ability and will take further improvement from the trip away and the win. Her next start will be in the Group Two Wakefield Stakes and it would be great to get some black type at just her second start.”

Owned by Fortuna Marokopa Falls Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), she was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for A$57,500 at the 2024 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, from the draft of Lincoln Farm.

Coincidentally, it was the same price Ellis paid for Melody Belle (Commands) as a yearling at the Karaka 2016 Sale, who also carried the Fortuna colours to a NZ record 14 Group One wins and was twice New Zealand Horse of the Year.

In more recent times the same Ellis/Fortuna partnership clicked with the purchase of Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) for $80,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, and the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner has gone on to make a splash from the Te Akau stables at Cranbourne (Victoria), winning the Cap D’Antibes Stakes (Listed, 1100m), Scarborough Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m), and notching a hat-trick this season in the Scarborough Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m).


2yo Filly – Marokopa Falls – wins on debut Trentham 7th December 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard

“She (Marokopa Falls) was a cheap purchase and John (Galvin), Mark (Walker) and Dave (Ellis) seem to have a knack of finding these fillies for a really good price,” Sam Bergerson, who was present on track at Trentham, said. “She’s a lovely filly, has been very straightforward, fantastic constitution, and she travelled down and hasn’t missed a beat. She was very laidback in the parade and that will hold her in fantastic stead going forward.”

By young sire Hellbent (I Am Invincible), winner of the William Reid Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) among seven victories to 1200 metres, and already the sire of two Group One winners, Marokopa Falls is out of Beside You, by Ready’s Image, a sire son of More Than Ready (Southern Halo).

Beside You recorded a hat-trick of wins to 1100 metres in Australia, including two as a two-year-old, and the speedy family has left a naturally precocious type in Marokopa Falls.

“It was a lovely win from a lovely filly that the team obviously have a lot of time for,” said John Galvin, from the course. “It’s not usual for us to send a two-year-old to the races off the back of one trial, so going there today gave us an indication of what the trainers think of her. She was very professional and relaxed in the birdcage and she showed those same attributes during the race. She was bought for the same price as Melody Belle, so if she could be half as good as her then we’d have to be very happy, wouldn’t we? Like Melody Belle she has won on debut, but won’t be able to win a Karaka Million, of course, having been bought in Australia.I do think she’s a really nice filly that is going places, and interestingly her breeder and sales vendor, Nick Posa of Lincoln Farms, retained a 10 percent share, so he’ll be very happy with the first-up win. It’s quite a big ownership group and we had about 15-20 of them here today.”

Galvin indicated that Marokopa Falls would remain in the Central Districts, in the stables of Roydon Bergerson at Awapuni, and prepare for the $175,000 Happy Hire Wakefield Challenge Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) on Saturday 21 December at Trentham.

Marakopa Falls is raced by the Fortuna Marokopa Falls Syndicate, an Ownership group comprising 57 individuals, all from New Zealand, bar one who is Australian based

Marokopa Falls was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

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