Te Aroha  – Friday

EMMA TWIGG makes her race day debut in the Pearl Series Fillies and Mares 1150m event – Race 4 @ 4.03pm  with Opie Bosson to ride from Barrier 6  – this well bred 3yo has been patiently handled and well prepared for her debut – giving the impression that she may prefer softer ground than she gets tomorrow, she may just need this run  – TAB says “the stable has a great strike rate with debutantes” – Showing Odds of @ $6.50/$2.40

Ellerslie – Saturday
LARA ANTIPOVA takes her place in the Group One Sistema Stakes over 1200m with Mick Dee to ride from barrier 4 – has been untouchable in her three race day starts to date with her last two wins at Group 2 level – high quality Filly, who looks to be very hard to beat here – TAB says “she won her debut and a clockwise direction, and it is hard to see her being beaten” Showing Odds of @ $1.65/$1.10

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Other News

VIVACIOUS victorious at Riccarton 4th March – her 5th career win

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Fortuna Shares Available 

Our Karaka Purchase – the Circus Maximus – Asama Blue Yearling Colt – see our full independent AI analysis of him  below

SYNDICATE INVESTMENT REPORT  |  JANUARY 2026

LOT 283
Circus Maximus (IRE) × Asama Blue (IRE)

Bay Colt (NZ)  |  Foaled 2nd November 2024  |  Box H17

OVERALL RATING

8.5 / 10

DISTANCE PROFILE

1200–1600m

PURCHASE PRICE

NZ$60,000

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of Lot 283 — a bay colt by Circus Maximus (IRE) out of Asama Blue (IRE) — across pedigree quality, proven nicks and inbreeding, physical conformation, movement and market value. The colt was photographed and assessed in January 2026 at approximately 14–15 months of age.

1. Sire — Circus Maximus (IRE)

Rating: 8 / 10

Circus Maximus is one of the most exciting young sire prospects in the Southern Hemisphere. A 2016 son of Galileo out of SW Duntle (by Danehill Dancer), he won five races including the Royal Ascot St James’s Palace Stakes (Gr.1) — demonstrating both precocity at 2 and the constitution to train on through a Classic campaign. This dual-age profile is exactly what syndicators and trainers seek in a stallion prospect for Australasian conditions.

• 55 runners, 23 winners — a 42% winners-to-runners strike rate from his earliest SH-bred cohort
• Industry benchmark for a quality sire is typically 25–35%, placing Circus Maximus well above average at this early stage
• Already produced Towering Vision (SW, Gr.1 placed) and multiple stakes-placed performers
• His NZ book has attracted quality mares, signalling growing commercial confidence

As with any young sire, some patience is warranted — his oldest SH-bred progeny are only 3YOs, and the full picture at stakes level will take another two to three seasons to fully emerge. That said, early overperformance relative to expectation is consistently the most reliable leading indicator of a stallion’s long-term trajectory, and Circus Maximus is tracking in the right direction.

2. Dam — Asama Blue (IRE)

Rating: 7 / 10

Asama Blue is a well-performed Gr.3-placed racemare by Fastnet Rock — one of the most commercially influential sires in Australasian breeding history — whose profile ticks several important boxes for a commercial broodmare prospect in New Zealand.

• 2 wins at 1550m–1610m in GB and NZ; placed in Gr.3 (WRC Anniversary S., Hawkes Bay Pearl Series H., Trinity Hill Mile)
• Her first foal to race, Blue as Blue, is already a winner at 1540m in Australia
• Her mile-plus racing profile suggests a balanced speed-stamina inheritance ideally suited to the Circus Maximus cross

She remains an early-stage producer in terms of sample size, but the quality of her family and the strength of the Fastnet Rock × Galileo-line cross provides a compelling framework for optimism as her progeny record develops.

3. Second Dam — An Elite Distaff Family

Rating: 9 / 10 ⭐

The second dam, Butterfly Blue, elevates this colt’s pedigree into genuinely elite territory. This is a family producing at the highest international level right now in 2025:

• Sister to Maryinsky — dam of champion-level performers PEEPING FAWN and THEWAYYOUARE
• Half-sister to BETTER THAN HONOUR — dam of JAZIL, RAGS TO RICHES, CASINO DRIVE and MAN OF IRON (multiple Grade 1 winners including Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winners)
• Dam of 9 winners from 12 foals — a 75% winners-to-foals ratio

Most compellingly, the Sapphire Pendant sub-family within this branch has been explosive in 2025:

• GREEN SPIRIT (Kingman): 4 wins at 2 including PrixLongchamp Gr.2 and Gr.3 — €227,870 in earnings in 2025
• ECRIVAIN (Lope de Vega): Gr.3 winner at 2 in 2025
• OZONE (Lope de Vega): 2 wins at 2 in 2025 including Criterium de Lyon Listed

The fact that this family is producing multiple Group-winning 2YOs right now in 2025 is a powerful contemporary signal for precocity in this colt.

4. Nick Analysis & Proven Crosses

Primary Nick: Galileo-line × Danehill/Fastnet Rock — Rating: 9/10 ⭐⭐

This colt sits at the intersection of the most statistically dominant nick in modern thoroughbred breeding. Circus Maximus is a son of Galileo; the dam is by Fastnet Rock, a son of Danehill. The Galileo-line × Danehill cross has produced an extraordinary roster including:

• Frankel (Galileo × Danehill-line) — widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of the modern era
• Australia, Highland Reel, Magical, Minding, Saxon Warrior — multiple Gr.1 winners across Europe and Australasia
• In Australasia specifically, the Galileo-line × Fastnet Rock cross has produced multiple Group 1 performers

Against industry benchmarks, this nick sits in the top 5% globally for productivity of black-type winners, consistently generating above-average winners-to-runners ratios of 40%+ and producing horses with excellent bone density, mental constitution and the ability to train on from a productive 2YO season into a Classic 3YO campaign.

Inbreeding Analysis

Nick / Cross	Generation	W/R Benchmark	SW/R Benchmark	Assessment
Sadler’s Wells	3×4	~40–45%	~13–15%	✅ Positive — class & stamina
Danehill (via Danehill Dancer & Fastnet Rock)	4×4	~38–42%	~18–22%	✅ Positive — speed & precocity
Overall dosage	Balanced	Above average	Above average	✅ Well-constructed

Sadler’s Wells 3×4: This pattern appears in numerous elite performers including Frankel. Industry data shows SH cohorts with this pattern achieving winners-to-runners ratios of 38–45%, with stakes winner production at approximately 13–15% of runners — meaningfully above the industry average of 8–10%.

Danehill 4×4: Highly familiar and consistently positive in Australasian breeding, concentrating speed, toughness and precocity. The combination of Sadler’s Wells stamina alongside Danehill speed duplication is a classic recipe for a precocious, versatile horse — capable of sprinting at 2 and training on to mile distances at 3. Danehill 4×4 cohorts in Australasia have historically shown stakes winner to runner ratios of 18–22%, well above benchmark.

The overall inbreeding architecture here is thoughtfully constructed — moderate in intensity, targeting the right bloodlines, and with a strong historical track record.

5. Physical Assessment

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Conformation was assessed from photographs and parade video in January 2026 when the colt was approximately 14–15 months of age — a well-grown individual heading toward yearling preparation.

Head & Neck — 9/10

An attractive, quality head with an intelligent, kind eye — a reliable indicator of trainability and mental soundness. The neck ties in cleanly to the shoulder with a good length of rein, and the overall expression conveys a horse that is alert without being anxious.

Shoulder & Topline — 8.5/10

The standout physical feature of this colt is his shoulder angle. He presents an exceptionally well-laid shoulder for his age — the primary physical predictor of a smooth, economical, ground-covering stride at pace. Good wither definition and a strong, level topline with no weaknesses through the loin. This shoulder angle is consistent with horses that develop into natural, fluent movers under saddle.

Body & Hindquarters — 8/10

Well-ribbed with good depth of girth — a positive indicator for lung capacity. The hindquarters show appropriate muscling with a well-set croup and good hip-to-hock length, suggesting the leverage required in a racehorse. He has genuine scope to continue filling through the hindquarter as he develops into training.

Legs, Feet & Overall Condition — 8/10

Clean, correct limbs with bone density appropriate to his frame and breeding. No structural concerns apparent. His coat is outstanding — a deep, rich bay with exceptional bloom suggesting a thriving, healthy individual who is handling his environment well. For a November-foaled colt assessed in January, he presents as notably well-developed and forward — entirely consistent with the precocious pedigree profile.

6. Movement Analysis

Rating: 8 / 10

Movement was assessed across multiple frames of parade video.

• Strong overstep — hindfoot lands clearly ahead of the forefoot imprint; an important indicator of stride efficiency and athletic ability at pace
• Loose, swinging action through the shoulder — that quality shoulder angle translates directly into a free-moving, elastic walk
• Level and balanced through the back with no obvious lateral swaying or stiffness
• Active hind limb engagement — generates forward propulsion from the hindquarter rather than simply pulling from the front
• Relaxed, confident demeanour in parade — walks with presence and purpose without tension; a hallmark of horses that travel and settle well in race environments

This colt moves well above average for his peer group. The combination of shoulder freedom, hindlimb engagement and relaxed demeanour in walk is one of the more reliable physical indicators available at the yearling stage.

7. Racing Profile

2YO vs 3YO — Assessment: Strong 2YO Type

Multiple signals converge to suggest this colt is well-suited to an early racing campaign:

• Circus Maximus was a multiple 2YO winner — sire precocity transmits strongly to his progeny
• Danehill 4×4 concentrates speed and early physical maturity
• The Butterfly Blue sub-family is producing multiple 2YO winners right now in 2025 (Green Spirit, Ecrivain, Ozone) — direct contemporary family validation
• His physical development at 14–15 months is notably forward — consistent with a horse ready for early preparation

The Sadler’s Wells duplication ensures he is unlikely to be a one-dimensional 2YO sprinter — he should train on and improve materially at 3, potentially developing into a genuine Classic mile candidate. Projected path: three to four starts in the back half of his 2YO season, followed by a full Classic campaign at 3.

Distance Profile — 1200–1600m Specialist

Influence	Distance Bias	Notes
Circus Maximus (sire)	Mile (1600m)	St James’s Palace Gr.1 winner
Fastnet Rock (dam’s sire)	Sprint/Mile	1200m specialist; speed influence
Sadler’s Wells 3×4	1600m+	Classic stamina concentration
Danehill 4×4	Sprint/Mile	Pure speed duplication
Dam’s racing profile	Mile (1550–1610m)	Consistent mile form in NZ & GB
Butterfly Blue family	1200–2000m	Versatile producing family

The dosage balance points clearly to a 1200–1600m horse — fast enough to be competitive over sprint distances at 2, with the pedigree depth to excel at the mile as a 3YO. The sweet spot is the 1400m Classic distance where speed-stamina balance typically dominates.

8. Value Assessment — NZ$60,000

Rating: 9 / 10 — Excellent Value

At NZ$60,000 this colt represents a meaningful discount to his theoretical market valuebased on pedigree and physical quality.

• Circus Maximus yearlings from comparable mares at Karaka typically trade in the $80,000–$180,000 range
• A Fastnet Rock mare with Gr.3 form from the Butterfly Blue family — producing Gr.1 and Gr.2 winners in 2025 — would ordinarily support a yearling price of $100,000–$150,000+ at a competitive auction
• The combination of sire cross, dam family, physical quality and movement, at $60K, suggests he was acquired below his replacement value

Circus Maximus is still building his commercial profile in New Zealand, which can moderate bidding confidence in a risk-averse market. This is not a warning sign — it is often precisely how value opportunities present themselves in the thoroughbred market. Investors who assess sires on the merits of early performance data rather than established reputation are regularly rewarded as those sires’ profiles mature.

9. Investment Scorecard

Category	Rating	Notes
Sire Quality	8/10	Young but early data strongly positive; Gr.1 proven
Dam Quality	7/10	Gr.3 placed, Fastnet Rock; early-stage producer
Second Dam / Female Family	9/10	Elite global producer; multiple Gr.1 winners in 2025
Nick Quality (Galileo-line × Fastnet Rock)	9/10	Premier nick of modern era; top 5% globally
Inbreeding (SW 3×4, Danehill 4×4)	8/10	Well-constructed; above-average W/R and SW/R benchmarks
Conformation	8.5/10	Standout shoulder; well-developed and correct
Movement	8/10	Good overstep; free, elastic action; relaxed demeanour
2YO Racing Potential	8/10	Multiple precocity signals; sire and family confirm
Distance Profile	—	1200–1600m; speed-stamina type
Value at NZ$60,000	9/10	Significant discount to theoretical market value
OVERALL INVESTMENT RATING	8.5/10	Strong proposition — pedigree, physical and value aligned

10. Summary

Lot 283 presents as a well-bred, physically correct, free-moving bay colt whose pedigree, physical attributes and acquisition price align to create a compelling syndicate investment proposition.

The Circus Maximus × Fastnet Rock cross sits at the heart of the most productive nick in modern thoroughbred breeding. The Butterfly Blue female family is producing at the highest international level right now, providing both genetic depth and contemporary validation. The inbreeding architecture — Sadler’s Wells 3×4 combined with Danehill 4×4 — is thoughtfully constructed, concentrating class and speed in proportions consistent with above-average stakes horse production.

Physically, he is a well-grown, forward-developing individual with a standout shoulder angle, excellent coat condition and movement that places him above his peer group. The profile suggests a horse capable of racing as a 2YO and improving into a genuine mile-distance Classic candidate at 3.

At NZ$60,000, he was acquired at a price that appears to represent genuine market value — delivering quality that would ordinarily command a significantly higher sum at competitive auction. As with all racehorse investment, the inherent uncertainties of the sport apply, but the fundamental case here — pedigree quality, physical merit, and value — is a strong one.

John says – While this AI report that we commissioned is very detailed and goes a lot further in depth compared to our usual descriptions we provide of new acquisitions, it confirms two of the three things we look for in a potential acquisition, firstly the physical quality and secondly, the depth and quality of the pedigree page and, finally, the “Value Proposition” with the report  describing the $60k price tag as “excellent value”

Read more about “MAX” below –  still a few shares left – Click HERE to  read all detail and place an order

The Yearling Colt by CIRCUS MAXIMUS out of ASAMA BLUE

Background

Pre Sale Mark Walker, David Ellis and I had hatched a plan to buy a genuine Staying type at this year’s Karaka Sale, a type with the pedigree behind him or her, backed up by strong physical attributes. The Te Akau selection team had picked out Lot 283, the Colt by Circus Maximus out of the Fastnet Rock Mare, Asama Blue and we had set a budget of $100k to buy him. As always, we don’t bid on a horse until it is “on the market” and, noting that he was passed in @ $70k, we followed up with the Vendor, the Sir Peter Velaowned Pencarrow Stud and we successfully negotiated a sale at just $60k, well within our budget

Physical Type

A strong, well developed yearling with a lovely free flowing walk, this Colt is not going to be an early 2yo, but has the scope and the pedigree to develop into a powerful 3yo, with raceday targets such as the NZ 2000 Guineas in the Spring of his 3yo year and the NZ Derby for 3yo’s in the Autumn as logical targets and then as an older horse, the 3200m Cups races such as the NZ Cup, the Wellington Cup and the Auckland Cup, would be logical targets

Click HERE to see this Colt parading

Pedigree

Our new Colt is by Circus Maximus, himself a son of the mighty Galileo. Circus Maximus was a champion miler and triple group one winner who after displaying group one form as a two-year-old trained on to beat the best of his generation as a three-year-old in the group one St James Palace stakes at Royal Ascot over a mile. He franked this form in the autumn of his three-year-old season against the older horses when winning the group one Prix-de Moulin at Longchamp also over a mile. At four Circus Maximus was successful again at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile joining the champion Frankel as a son of Galileo to have won both of these prestigious Royal Ascot races

Click HERE to see his pedigree

Circus Maximus is a shuttle Stallion who stands at Windsor Park in the Southern Hemisphere breeding season – he joins a long line of successful shuttle Stallions to have stood at Windsor Park, including Tale Of The Cat, Montjeu, High Chaparral, Mastercraftsman and Rip Van Winkle The dam of our new colt is the Fastnet Rock Mare, Asama Blue – bred in the UK, she was a winner there before coming to NZ, where she won again and was good enough to run 2nd in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap at Trentham – the 2nd Damsire is the mighty Sadlers Wells and notable that Sadlers Wells is also the 2nd Damsire of Circus Maximus This is a very strong International Pedigree page –

The oldest progeny of Circus Maximus are now 3yo’s and currently he sits in 2nd place on the 2nd season Sire table with 5 individual winners (6 wins) and has already had a 3yo Stakes winner, the Te Akau trained Towering Vision, who runs in  the $1m NZ Derby 7th March

Selector David Ellis comments 

“Congratulations John in securing this lovely Colt at a great value price – I really loved this horse at inspections and my notes say “definite Derby, Cups type” – he has a wonderful pedigree page being by an emerging Sire, who was a high class racehorse and a son of the Champion Stallion, Galileo – and his damsire is Fastnet Rock, another champion and the 2nd damsire is Sadlers Wells, you cannot get better blood than that”

The Yearling Colt by CIRCUS MAXIMUS out of ASAMA BLUE

Racing Plans

This Colt is now spelling at Te Akau Stud, he will commence his breaking in process early March have a short initial preparation at the Matamata Stables before another paddock break and then a 2nd, more comprehensive preparation which may well lead to a trial in the Spring, that dependent on Trainer assessment of his his physical maturity and development. He will be registered for the Karaka Millions Series – the 2yo race in January of 2027 may well be beyond him but the 3yo Karaka Classic over 1600m in January 2028 for $1.5m would be a genuine target – sold through a NZ Sale, he is also eligible for the NZB Kiwi for $4m in March of 2028

10% Share is NZ$11k
5% Share is NZ$5.5k
2.5% share is NZ$2.75k
1% share is NZ$1.1k
Payments can be spread over 3 monthsMonthly ongoing costs from 1 April 2026 are NZ$50 per month per each 1% share

 

All information including the Disclosure Statement and Syndicate Agreement can be viewed on the Fortuna website HERE and orders can be made directly from this link – call/text John 021 921 460 if you seek additional information

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John,

You and the team are in for something special on Saturday with potentially another group one for Fortuna and a group one first I dare say for some of your owners tied in to Lara Antipova. From what I’ve seen in her three starts she looks to have improved on each outing and her win in tough conditions last time at Matamata came down to her class and not because of any real preference to wet ground.

Of course we all know that nothing in racing is taken for granted and she still has to raise the bar again, but it will be a surprise to many if she doesn’t justify her very skinny quote by the bookies and remain unbeaten.

Looking at the roll of honour of the Sistema (ex Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes) the Te Akau stables of Matamata, who of course will have Lara Antipova spot on for Saturday’s group one, have done so well with the race.
Since the start of the century the stable has been fairly dominant with a total of 8 wins with their premier trainers  like  Mark Walker ( Maroofity); Jamie Richards ( Yourdeel, Cool Aza Beel, Sword of State)  and Jason Bridgeman (Warhorse) as individuals and leading into partnerships , Stephen Autridge – Jamie Richards ( Heroic Valour and Sword of Osman) and Mark Walker – Sam Bergerson ( Return to Conquer).

I won’t be betting against Te Akau’s steady 33% winning strike rate in the race on Saturday.

 FRIDAY FLASHBACKS FOR SISTEMA STAKES

I was  14 years old when I was at Ellerslie to watch the first Sistema in 1964. Okay, you now know how young I am!!!
It was won by a horse called Thunderhead, ridden by Jack Mudford and trained by Takanini’s Ray Wallace. The race of course wasn’t the Sistema then. Many races have had name changes over the years and this elite two year old event is no exception. It started off as the Wills Championship Stakes when Thunderhead did the job. A few year later it became the Ellerslie Championship Stakes before being renamed the Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes and won for the first time under this name in 1972 by Longfella, who was trained at Awapuni by Margaret Bull and ridden by Roger Lang. The same combination did it again a few weeks later in the Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes at Awapuni.

The Ellerslie two year old race has also been called the Haunui Diamond Stakes or the Auckland Diamond Stakes and it eventually became the Sistema Stakesin 2017. Call me old fashioned but as one who welcomes new sponsors and appreciates the sponsors that have been on our racing clubs up and down the country for many years there are certain names on certain races that should never be  lost.

For me the Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes is one very special name that deserved protection. Just my humble opinion but  the Sistema Sires Produce Stakes sounds better and protects the legacy of some wonderful winners over the last 60 plus years.

And here are my favourite memories  during my early days in racing.

I’d probably rate Daryl’s Joy in 1969; a hall of fame inductee as is the trainer Syd Brown and the jockey, Bill Skelton as the overall pin up. Daryl’s Joy was a gem of a racehorse who beat the best in NZ and Australia including the amazing two and three year old Vain in Melbourne in 1969 as a spring three year old.

Jim Campin’s Vice Regal won it in 1976 and sired subsequent winners Vite Cheval in 1983 and All Glory in 1985. That’s pretty special as was  Yir Tiz and Paddy Boy‘s deadheat  in 1980. Yir  Tiz became the mother of our greatest sprinter Mr Tiz while (Our) Paddy Boy went on to win the 1981 Sydney Cup.

There’s lot of wonderful history to a great race that in time is  more of a stepping stone to Wishing you and your team of owners in Lara Antipova all the very best John and she deserves on what we’ve seen this season to have her name etched on the Group One trophy.

HOW REFRESHING TO SEE THE UNDERDOG TO THE FORE ON WINGATUI’S BIG DAY

Some of the leading northern  jockeys at Wingatui on Saturday and they rode 4 winners but out of the training ranks it was where the underdog shone. The three big races, the $180,000 Dunedin Guineas, the $180,000 Dunedin Gold Cup, the $230,000 White Robe Lodge and the $200,000 Southern Mile, all gave their respective trainers their biggest wins of their career.

For me, this was the best story of the day. Before winning the Guineas on Saturday with Hello Hayley, Sophie Price, in 18 years as a trainer, had produced only one black type winner amongst her overall tally of 61 and that of course was her Dunedin Guineas winner in her win prior in the Southland Guineas.

Sandy Cunningham, whose been saddling up horses since gaining her license in 1989, never has a big team and she’s trained 3 black type winners amongst her 45 successes and Noble Nights win in the Dunedin Gold Cup was the richest.

I get the feeling that Joseph Waldron, who was born into the game but is only in his thirties, is a trainer who is going to be a force to be reckoned with down south. His team will grow as the results will most certainly flow. His belief in lining up a rating 75 galloper Cluedo Lane at weight for age in the time honoured White Robe wfa was spot on. For Joseph Waldron I reckon black type wins have only just begun!

And to wind up the day in the rich Southern Mile, Vicky Ramhit, who has only three horses in training, grabbed the thick end of the purse, his biggest winner, Aladdin’s Gem, with what was a copy book and very patient ride by Tina Comignaghi.

In this game it is refreshing at times when unexpected success trumps an expected one and the spotlight shifts to other equally hard working stakeholders and it couldn’t have have worked out any better in this regard on one of the biggest race days of the season in the south.

MELBOURNE CUP 21 YEARS  AGO A LEGEND STOOD TALL

THIS year there were plans afoot to celebrate 21 years of Makybe Diva’s third Melbourne Cup. Instead, however, it’ll be a toast to a legacy, the memory of the champion who passed away a few days ago.

That third Cup stands out for me for one very special reason. Not really expected by any of the 104,000 on course, owner Tony Santic stepped on the winners rostrum in the mounting yard and uttered words along these lines :  “This is her grand finale. She will now be retired” And the crowd clapped and cheered. It was goose bump stuff. It’s probably the most reassuring words anyone could say after such a wonderful career. She had nothing more to prove and the curtain fell on a remarkable racing career.

I’ve been to 36 or 37 Melbourne Cups and on sentiment alone let alone of course her performance 21 years ago the “Diva’s”  third will always be the one that stands out for me and for the many thousands on course that special day.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM WINGATUI LAST SATURDAY
TEXAS DOLLY: in the open sprint she was clearly unlucky. She never saw daylight at any stage and went to the line full of running.

PERLINO : the jump from maiden class to stakes company may have looked a bridge too far on paper but the three wide run in transit didn’t help.

STOLEN MAGIC : got on heels at a crucial part in the Dunedin Gold Cup but keep this one in mind as soon as the tracks become wetter.

Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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Ashburton – Friday

MAROKOPA FALLS contests the  3yo 1200m event – Race 4 at 1.37 pm with Bruno Queiroz to ride from Barrier 5  – she has not had a lot of luck of late, striking a heavy track at Wingatui on Boxing Day and then traveling all the way to Gore only to strike a race day abandonment – is primed for this and has an excellent chance of saluting the judge. – TAB says “Strong contender on best form”- Showing Odds of $6/$1.95

Cranbourne – Friday

TITAHI BAY  resumes in the Benchmark 64 1000m – Race 5 @ 10.15pm NZT –  Craig Williams rides from barrier 5 – strong Maiden winner 1st Nov – has been freshened and won a jumpout at Cranbourne 9th Feb – speedy Filly, meets a good field here, but with luck in running can certainly feature – TAB is enigmatic and says “See this one” – Showing $9/$2.30

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Tuesday 10th Feb

Matamata

I’m On Safari (D Dannis) galloped at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.5, home in 44.6.

It’s tough for a boutique syndicator like Fortuna Racing to get two winners in a day, particularly on both sides of the Tasman and particularly with both being two year-old Fillies – however 40 minutes after Lara Antipova’s dominant win at Matamata, Tolaga Bay, on debut, delivered a strong winning performance at Ballarat

Interestingly enough, they will both race on the same day again, March 7th, Lara in the Group One Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie with Mick Dee to ride and Tolaga Bay in the Group Two Sires Produce at Flemington with Craig Williams aboard – mouth watering stuff

And talking of pride, our good friends at Te Akau Racing can certainly feel a lot of that emotion given that Lara’s win in this race was the 11th time that a Te Akau trained horse has won the race – yes, what a remarkable record, which started in 1995 when Stephen Autridge was the Te Akau trainer and he managed to win the event three times  – in 2008 and 2009 it was Mark Walker’s turn and then in 2017 Steven Autridge was back again, this time as the co-trainer with Jamie Richards – Jamie won again as a sole trainer in 2022, Mark Walker as the sole trainer in 2023 and for the last three years in a row, Mark and Sam. Definitely a tribute to David and Karyn for the outstanding business model they have developed and enhanced over a long period of time
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Three winners in five days brings Fortuna Strike Rate for the season down to 4.1

Fortuna Shares Available – three to choose from

The  Circus Maximus Yearling Colt acquired from Karaka Book One
 

Click HERE to see this Colt parading

Click HERE to see his pedigree

The Yearling Colt by CIRCUS MAXIMUS out of ASAMA BLUE

Magic Millions Purchase – the Pierro Yearling Filly proving very popular

This girl has all the attributes to follow in the footsteps of Lara Antipova  – Aus bred, bought from the same sales house and looks to be an early runner – Now spelling at Te Akau Stud – she will head off to be broken in early March – Click HERE to see footage of her in the paddock 19th Feb – comments from Reece Trumper – she is an outstanding physical type

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and all Fortuna followers.

What an outstanding day for your team on Saturday on both sides of the Tasman with Lara Antipova maintaining her unbeaten record in the time honoured Matamata Breeders Stakes and the new comer Tolaga Bay superb on debut in Ballarat. I watched the replay of Tolaga Bay and I was impressed with her  professionalism and the way she stretched out. She’s clearly got what it takes to win her share.

I very much doubt the stable will elect to run Lara Antipova in such heavy track conditions very often. She mastered the ground on class alone. She was simply too good for her rivals and who knows what she would have done to the opposition on a better track. Again, she’s so professional the way she races.

We saw that when she won the Wakefield at Trentham and you’d have to think the group one $550k Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie is hers for the taking. The bookies think so, too. The race is still a fortnight away and they’ve posted the microscopic odds at $1.50.

I felt sorry for the Matamata club. It was there biggest day and it’s not ideal to have 33 scratchings. Small fields and heavy tracks in February is something we are not used to and while most of us aren’t privvy to the overall betting figures I’d say the club and Entain were well off budget.

Lara Antipova aside, most interest on Saturday centred on the return of  in Sydney and Tentyris at Flemington and they didn’t disappoint. In fact they were simply outstanding. They both feature in my “Question Time” feature for this week.

TEN QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Q1: Congratulations to Hamish Kerr in winning the Halberg Award as top sportsmen earlier this week. He’s a current world champion high jumper. The competition at the Halbergs includes other high class athletes in the Sportsman of the Year category  like  Geordie Beamish (3000m) and Luca Harrington.( freestyle skier).
Of course there’s another world champion James McDonald who didn’t make the cut. Not even a contender! A bit sad really don’t you think?
Whoever the judges are they just don’t get it do they?

Q2: I can’t recall seeing a better last to first win in the group one Black Caviar as we did last Saturday at Flemington with Tentyris since the last to first sprint specialist, Chautauqua who won the corresponding race 10 years ago. Do you remember how good this grey flash really was? He had a habit of dawdling out of the gates and somehow overpowering them in mind blowing fashion.
Tentyris was amazing and the turn of foot from being last at the 400m was a moment of brilliance seldom seen.
The eyes of the world will be watching what he does next. He is sure to be an Everest contender and maybe the challenger the world’s best Ka Ying Rising is hoping for.

Q3: The Levin racing venue,  which has been fighting for survival for seemingly decades, proved its still an important training and jump out venue don’t you think as evidenced by two major winners at Matamata last Saturday in Enrico and Titled who are both residents of Levin.

Q4: Staying with Levin I was very pleased to see small time trainer these days Geoff Haigh finally get a an overdue win  with Riomosa last week at Otaki. Did you know it’s been almost a 4-year wait for the Levin trainer?
Back in his early years Geoff had two outstanding fillies in Candide and Serastrina who clashed in the 1986-87 three year old season against the best both here and in Australia? Canidide was the best in her  year with the group one NZ 1000 Guineas, the NZ Oaks,  registered a 3rd in the Australian Oaks and a 4th in the AJC Derby. She trained on, too, with placings in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington, the Caulfield Cup, the Caulfield Stakes and even ran in Empire Rose’s Melbourne Cup although unplaced.

Q5: Chris Waller is no stranger in getting trifectas in black type races – he did it  again on Saturday in the group 2 at Randwick – but I reckon he had one of the more unique trebles on Saturday which had to be some sort of record.
After The Autumn Glow won in Sydney, Noble Conqueror won at Brisbane and Sixties followed in Melbourne.
Three wins on the 3 big Saturday metropolitan tracks in less than 15 minutes! That’s pretty special wouldn’t you say?

Q6: If our rising star Well Written dominates in the Kiwi on Champions Day on March 8 could the clash with whoever is the best 4yo in the spring become the most mouth watering match up we’ve seen around a NZ v Australian since maybe Sunline v Lonhro in the 2002 Caulfield Stakes?

Q7: What does this tell us from current riding suspensions? Currently there are 15 riders under suspension, 3 are from the South Island while 12 are North Islanders? Read into that what you will.

Q8: It’s an unbeaten 9 win record for The Autumn Glow and the ease of her win last Saturday  suggests it’ll take something very special for any to lower her colours in the immediate future don’t you reckon?

Q9. J-Mac puts The Autumn Glow alongside Romantic Warrior as the two horses who “give him a feel” like no others. Here’s a fun fact I put to J-Mac when I drove him from Trentham to the Wellington airport post Telegraph day. If Cox Plate heroes Romantic Warrior and Via Sistena stepped out at their utmost fitness how close would they be to each other at the end of a race like the Cox Plate?
He replied without hesitation: “Via Sistena would be 4 lengths in arrears!”
Interesting, eh?

Q10: It’s Avondale Cup Day but not at Avondale;  NZ Oaks Day but not at Trentham and it’s Otaki Classic Day but not at Otaki. While wishing all the main players targeting one or all three of these iconic races matched for the first time together at Ellerslie this Saturday under the new watch of the Auckland Racing Club, it will take a bit of getting used to won’t it?

THE MUD TRIPPED THEM – DON’T DROP THEM!

KINNAIRD: he over raced and never relaxed in the running. If they keep him in work maybe they’ll freshen him for the group one Sires Produce Stakes. If he goes to the spelling paddock he will return and be a group one Guineas contender.

HAWEA: slow away and rushed outside Lara Antipova before the turn and plugged to the line. She proved difficult to load and she has a bit to learn but she has a bright future when maturity kicks in.

BASEL WARRIOR:
His two wins prior to the Matamata flop are proof that he’s above average. He was all over the place in his action and he will also bounce back on a better surface.

Good punting!

I mentioned last week that my 36th Melbourne Tour has all been finalised and my Co tour leader Lisa Allpress is again looking forward to accompanying the estimated 70-80 people to the spring carnival again along with myself and the Sporting Tours team.
Have a look at the brochure  HERE If it’s on your bucket list to mix and mingle with always a great bunch of like minded people in our well organised tour this year we’d love to hear from you.

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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WEST INDIES contests the  2000m Highweight event – Race 2 at 3.45pm NZT with “The Professor”Steve Pateman  to ride from Barrier 3  – his future is a jumper and this flat highweight race is part of his preparation– – TAB says “struggling for best and others preferred “- Odds not Showing YetMatamata – Saturday

LARA ANTIPOVA contests the prestigious J Swap Matamata Breeders Stakes at Group Two level over 1200m – Race 5 @ 2.42pm – Opie Bosson rides from the outside draw in a field of eight runners – has taken all before her being unbeaten in two races – both with wide margins. Sticky draw here for her to contend with and there is rain forecast which adds further complications  – her track gallop on Tuesday was of the highest quality – should be making it three in a row here – TAB says “tough to beat on latest and can measure up again ” – Showing $1.35/$1.02Ballarat – Saturday

TOLAGA BAY makes her debut in the 2yo Maiden over 1100m  – Race 1 @ 3.26pm NZT with Liam Cartwright to ride – was impressive winning her Cranbourne jumpout last week and could be very hard to beat -TAB says “winner of past two jumpouts, the latest in dominant style, so expected to hit the ground running “- Odds not Showing Yet

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 Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 10th Feb

Matamata

Lara Antipova (R Hutchings) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.2, last 600 in 35.3.

I’m On Safari (D Dannis) galloped at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 58.0, last 600 in 43.0.

Fortuna Shares Available – three to choose from

Legend Of Kings 

The  Circus Maximus Yearling Colt acquired from Karaka Book One

Click HERE to see this Colt parading

Click HERE to see his pedigree

The Yearling Colt by CIRCUS MAXIMUS out of ASAMA BLUE

Magic Millions Purchase – the Pierro Yearling Filly proving very popular

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and Fortuna followers

What an enjoyable weekend as guest of your good self  and your delightful family last weekend.

The racing at Te Rapa was superb topped off with Opie Bosson’s magical 100 group ones. That achievement is right up there with any other headline act by a jockey and imagine what heights Opie would’ve climbed to had he been a regular 54kgs jockey which hasn’t been in Opie’s wheel house for decades. His  personal life may have had its ups and downs but we all know that his talent as jockey is never questioned and as we’ve come to learn over recent years as the punters shout from from the roof tops at most premier tracks , “there is only one Opie Bosson!”

The Open Day at Matamata for your many owners at Fortuna was very appealing  and it felt quite refreshing chatting with several individually and then being as  open as I wished in the interview with you, John, over my 55 years plus in a professional capacity in racing.

Several of the Fortuna owners in attendance are subscribers to my email tipping service while a few others are past attendees on the 35 Melbourne Cup Tours and it was good to catch up with them all.

Speaking of the Lexus Melbourne Cup the itinerary and costs have just been finalised and if any of the Fortuna readers would like to learn more simply drop me an email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and I’ll arrange for someone at Sporting Tours to get in touch immediately.
My Co tour leader Lisa Allpress and I would love to have you on board.

TOP TEN TRAINERS

Not that long ago in this column I released my top 10 jockeys and top 10 horses in my time in NZ that were competing from the mid 60’s up until today.
Naturally you’d have your own favourites in both categories as you would do for my next release, the top 10 trainers.
These are people who are true blue kiwis who have dominated NZ premier racing and/ or created massive marks on Australian soil as well.
You may not necessarily agree but they were giants in their profession in my eyes;  their attention to detail in setting horses for certain races; the strike rate and the respect they had from punters goes without saying as well.

In ranking order.
10 MIKE MORONEY:
He trained 55 group one winners in NZ and Australia. He learned from the best to become one  of the best.
Best horse: XCELLENT

9 NOEL EALES:
The master of the patient game. Trained 6 Thorndon Group One Mile winners. Terrific demeanour with a very casual but balanced approach .
Best horse: COMMISSIONAIRE

8 BILL FORD:
Whether  it was the jumpers or on the flat he was considered by many of his peers as a true horseman who set targets with his team and got it right most of the time .
Best horse : ALTITUDE

7 MURRAY BAKER:
No trainer had a better smash and grab raid to Australia  than Murray.
He also had a laid back approach but very skillful in targeting the money races.
Best horse : DUNDEEL

6 JIM GIBBS:
A great, methodical trainer who had a real knack with some of NZ’s great stayers.
Best horse: TIDAL LIGHT

5 MARK WALKER :
A modern day champ with multiple premiership wins in NZ and Singapore. His record in black types races is enormous.
Best horse: maybe a deadheat with IMPERATRIZ and MELODY BELLE

4 JOHN WHEELER :
The globe trotting star with big wins in Australia, Nz and Japan. The 1980’s to 1990’s king.
Best horse: ROUGH HABIT or POETIC PRINCE  with VEANDERCROSS  right up there, too.

3 COLIN JILLINGS :
He trained a Derby winner in 6 separate decades. He had super stars galore, Uncle Remus, The Phantom Chance etc.
Best horse: McGINTY

2 DAVE and PAUL O’SULLIVAN :
Either individually or a team and in effect the “royal” racing family. So many outstanding achievements culminating as Hall of Fame inductees.
Best horse MR TIZ narrowly over HORLICKS.

1 CHRIS WALLER:
There’s no one better. He continues to raise the bar and this former Foxton kid is not only a champion trainer and Australia but globally!
Best horse: WINX

So many other great trainers could be in the top 10. The likes of Syd Brown for example. People like Wally McEwen, Eric Temperton,  Brian Deacon, etc were all class acts in their day, too.
Each to their own as they say and that’s my compilation for what it’s worth.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM TE RAPA

SARTI: the royally bred four year old did well to run second to the always winning Mrs Jones but he was quickest to the line. He will progress through the grades.

PROBOY: his two subsequent runs since winning at Te Rapa have been better than okay. On Saturday he finished 8th out of 12 but ran the last 600 and 400 the quickest. He will win again in a hurry.

SWEET ICE: he’s my roughie for the Derby. I thought his run in the Waikato Guineas was good enough to maybe tempt me in having a wee flutter this far out at the odds of 12 to one but on second thoughts I’m sure he will pay at least that on the day!
Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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OUR PARAMOUR contests the BM 62 2000m event over 2000m – Race 8 at 7.30 NZT pm with Luke Cartwright  to ride from Barrier 3  – was disappointing last start and needs to lift – – TAB says “well below market expectations last start, but blinkers come off here and draws well” – Odds not Showing Yet
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Read all of his details at the link HERE  or contact us for more information.

Now spelling at Phoenix Farm at Ohaupo – click HERE to see footage of that inspection  – note that we will be parading “Angel” at our Owners Day 8th February

Welcome to the Entain Edition for January 2026, covering off the past two months of what is always a busy time of year in the industry.

This Entain Edition comes to you hot off the back of the TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday, and what a meeting it proved to be.

There was the perfect blend of outcomes – ranging from Australian-trained horses Dream Roca and Jigsaw winning to ensure the meeting stays on the radar of our Australian cousins, Well Written’s stunning six-length $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO victory, or the brilliant surface prepared by Jason Fulford and his team despite more than 150 millimetres of rain in the week prior.

All those elements combined to contribute to a 5% increase in turnover through TAB and betcha on Saturday, compared to the 2025 TAB Karaka Millions. Notably, there were 35% more Australians betting on the meeting through Entain’s two Australian brands, as opposed to the 2025 meeting.

Australian eyeballs will be focused on this side of the Tasman again in early February, with Australian presence at Te Rapa for the Group 1 BCD Sprint, and Boxing Day winner Kingswood being aimed at the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Classic. When an opportunity arises to showcase New Zealand’s best racing, it’s important to deliver like the industry did on Saturday.

International focus on Ellerslie through World Pool

After World Pool made its first appearance in New Zealand last year, the TAB Karaka Millions meeting on Saturday took betting on the meeting to another level.

Powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, World Pool accepts bets from the HKJC’s overseas partners, creating the deepest and most liquid pari-mutuel pools for international top races.

With customers from at least 25 participating countries and regions around the world wagering into a single pool, World Pool hosted betting on all six races at Saturday’s meeting, ensuring a 71% uplift in turnover on the meeting. The TAB Karaka Millions 2YO was the stand-out performer, with an 11% increase on last year’s edition.

It was a big weekend for World Pool fixtures, with the Al Maktoum Challenge Day at Meydan and the Centenary Sprint Cup & Stewards Cup’ meeting at Sha Tin also covered.

World Pool returns to Ellerslie for New Zealand Derby Day aka Champions Day on Saturday, 7 March.

Wi-Fi trial in action over summer 

As I shared with you in November’s Entain Edition, one of our summer focuses was the roll-out of a Wi-Fi trial across some of our more remote tracks in terms of connectivity.

A lot of those tracks were in action over the Christmas and New Year period, so it was pleasing to see some racegoers jump onto the free Wi-Fi network during their day at the races.

As Entain’s Chief Media Officer Christopher Haigh explains in this trackside.co.nz article, each track comes with its own characteristics, so in some instances, there is coverage across the racecourse, whereas with others, there are Wi-Fi Zones set up in key areas around the course.

Racegoers love to be connected whether betting on the races or not, and the Wi-Fi solution does give punters the choice of betting through on-course operators or digital platforms.

The results from the trial, which uses the latest technology available through Starlink to deliver this solution, will be reviewed and finetuned ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Well Written powers towards The NZB Kiwi

The competition was fierce, so the team at Entain was beyond excited last month to confirm that Well Written will run in our TAB slot in the 2026 running of The NZB Kiwi. The daughter of Written Tycoon has captured the public’s imagination with her unbeaten streak extending to five after her dominant TAB Karaka Millions performance on Saturday.

The journey alongside trainer Stephen Marsh, Dylan Johnson Bloodstock and part-owners Yulong Investments has been a lot of fun already through her Boxing Day win in the Group 1 Auckland Guineas, and Saturday’s success, and we can’t wait to tell more of the story behind Well Written and her connections in the coming weeks.

One of those stories is already available, with this enlightening look into the rise and rise of Stephen Marsh with some insightful input from some of his mentors. Click on the image below to learn more.

‘Upon The Land We Stand’ series rolls out 

The first few episodes of Upon The Land We Stand have hit mainstream TV screens. In this six-part series, host Kylie Bax connects to the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand’s equine industry. Against the stunning backdrop of our country, she explores the deep link between the land, the people, and the horses that define us.

The series includes an insight into trainers, owners, veterinarians, rehomers and retrainers in both the North and South Islands. A new episode of Upon The Land We Stand premieres each Saturday night at 7pn on Sky Open. If you don’t currently have a Sky account, you can still use Sky Go to watch Sky Open (free-to-air) content by creating an account.

Entain team profile

Name: Adam Hamilton
Role: Group Head of Racing & Talent
Time with Entain: 4.5 years

Racing/sports interests:

Racing is not just work but a lifelong passion. I was a racing journalist (print, radio and TV) for most of my career. I’ve had shares in many gallopers and harness horses over the years; the best would be a couple of former Kiwi horses in Blackie and My Bentley.

Although Melbourne-based, I love New Zealand racing and have been to more than 30 New Zealand Cup Weeks.

What excites you about the strategic partnership?

For me, it feels personal. My association with NZ started with my first trip across the ditch way back in 1993 to watch the great Chokin win the NZ Trotting Cup.

Through my media career I worked as a guest presenter on Trackside countless times and made so many lifelong friendships in racing and the media.

To work for Entain when the partnership came together just felt so right. And now to play an active and passionate role in bringing it to life, especially through Trackside’s coverage, is immensely rewarding.

For me, the amazing transformation in Trackside and how it’s a world leader in covering racing now is just awesome.

The race event I’m most looking forward to?

Nothing will ever top NZ Cup Week for me, in this part of the world. And I’m an Aussie saying that. The 2025 Cup Week was up with the best of all time for energy and engagement. It really felt like the glory days of Cup Week.

TAB Karaka Millions has become something special, the NZB Kiwi is vitally important and untapped, the Kaikoura Cup is a bucket list for everyone, and Cambridge’s Night of Champions is epic too.

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Fortuna Owners Day – Sunday 8th February 2026 – Special Guest Des Coppins – Des is a great speaker and raconteur and we look forward to his observations on the current state of NZ Racing and the ongoing challenges
 

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and Fortuna Friday Flash Readers

I’m looking forward to catching up with your owners and readers of the Friday Flash on Sunday at the Open Day. Beforehand, however, it’ll be great to take in the big day at Te Rapa. Gee, we’ve had some terrific racing over the last month and I’m sure the excitement won’t let up this weekend.

On that note as we enter a new month I’d like to share my “Magnificent Seven” moments  in January.

KATE HERCOCK AND MANZOR BLUE

IN November 2024 Kate Hercock suffered sudden and tragic loss of her partner, Danny Champion. Danny (52) was a well known trainer and former jumps jockey who passed away unexpectedly at his Otane home he shared with Kate. I recall chatting with Kate less than two weeks later as she got herself ready for another day riding at Trentham. She said her motivation was to “ keep going” despite it being the hardest time of her life.

To see Kate win the Cup on Saturday was a joyous moment we all shared. She rode the horse an absolute treat and it’s the spirit and hard work she brings to the track every time that makes her  one of the more likeable people in the business.

WELL WRITTEN A POTENTIAL SUPER STAR

HER win in the Karaka Millions was simply breathtaking as she lit up the stage on the big night. The acceleration she displayed once she claimed the front inside the final 200m was nothing short of exhilarating. We’ve all seen horses with supreme turns of foot and those in her wake looked to be going backwards once she shot past. I can’t recall a final furlong blitz as epic for many a year.

It’s now five from five for the cheap as chips $80,000 purchase.

Don’t be surprised to see a new betting market for the Kiwi in the not too distant future with Well Written out!Who’s going to run second in other words? You simply can’t back her at $1.20. Bookies would be doing themselves a big favour if they released such a market asap.

TELEGRAPH TURNOVER UP 65% ON LAST YEAR

THE field for the group one Telegraph had widespread form with no real stand out but clearly the presence of our world champion jockey J-Mac paid off handsomely for the industry. Tomodachi, his mount, was a $6 chance on my reckoning but she started at around $2.50 with the great young man on board.

The presence of any international jockey from either Australia or elsewhere is clearly a boost to our racing economy as the J-Mac influence suggests. Punters appreciated seeing the likes of Craig Williams, Ben Thompson and Damian Lane on call at Ellerslie on Karaka night, too.
As long as there are no clashes with the big carnivals overseas the mindset for our racing clubs,  who have top tier race meetings in the summer,  should always be working on ways to lure these international jockeys across. Their presence has a significant impact on turnovers.

A RECORD BREAKING CENTENNIAL SALE

NZB’s Book One yearling sale achieved a total of over $79m, a $3.6m increase on the previous year despite having 94 fewer horses catalogued. This sale also reached an average of $187, 257 ( a 14% increase) and a record median of $140k ( a 27% increase).
The leading vendor was Cambridge Stud, selling 50 lots for $10,640,000 and David Ellis of Te Akau secured the leading buying title for the 18th time, purchasing 18 lots for $4,260,000.
While the influx of an international buying bench keeps the stud farms happy at yearling sales time  I’m happier when I see NZ buyers get the upper hand in the sale ring especially as the majority of these young horses will be groomed for our tracks.
Getting numbers up to a respectable median of at least 12 starters per race in NZ to optimise our betting pools should be the industry’s aim.

TRENTHAM’S BUSY SUMMER SCHEDULE

It’s three day January programme followed an equally busy time in  December but the track played fair for the majority of the time and despite its on going challenges it continues to step up to the mark.
Saturdays crowd and buzz on Cup Day was as good as it’s been for a few years. Mind you, the weather helped and while some parts of the country have suffered through excessive rain Trentham has been mainly spared and to see the track get an upgrade to “good” after race one last Saturday proves once again why Trentham’s longevity should be of primary importance.

KA YING RISING CROWNED TIMEFORM HORSE OF THE YEAR

NZ Bred sprinting champion Ka YIng Rising is the TIMEFORM Horse of the year. Recently he won his 17th on end in Hong Kong to join Silent Witness with as many consecutive wins. The odds of him surpassing that tally are odds on.
The Shamexpress- Milly Moo ( Per Incanto) gelding is the highest rated Hong Kong horse in nearly 30 years at 135. TIMEFORM’s all time highest rated horse remains Frankel (147).
For the record the highest peak TIMEFORM rating for another NZ bred galloper was So You Think who had a rating of 133; while Sunline achieved 129 at her best with  Might and Power, 128; Bonecrusher, 126 and Rough Habit, 125.

ALMANZOR UNIQUE DOUBLE

CAMBRIDGE stud enjoyed a unique Trentham double in January.
At the start of the month the five year old son of Almanzor, First Five, won the TAB Telegraph ( 1200m) while last Saturday Manzor Blue, a five year old, became only the 11th mare in the last 100 years to win the Wellington Cup. Interestingly, Manzor Blue’s 5th dam, Diamond Lover,was an unplaced runner in the 1987 Telegraph won by Courier Bay after winning the Railway three weeks prior.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM TRENTHAM’S CUP DAY

ROCCADONNA: was slow away in the Lowland and she didn’t seem to be in a decent rhythm. I have not doubt she represents quality. She seemed to close off okay with the 5th best final 200m despite finishing 10th of 13.

ROSSO: with the track improving to a good 4 this may have counted ever so slightly against the favourite Rosso in the Wellington Cup. The Avondale Cup on January 21 is next on the agenda and a bold run will ensure an Auckland Cup start in March.

UNUSUAL INVADER: held up entering the straight in the one win 1600 and just couldn’t get clear air for much of the final 400. She’s very promising and this half sister to Auckland Cup winner, Platinum Invader is heading in the right direction.

Good punting!

Ps great to have at least 40 readers come on board for a run of “free tips” last Saturday to celebrate Cup Day at Trentham.
I hope you enjoyed the 7 winners from the top 2 tips including the Best Bet winner.
Thanks also to those who signed up for the daily dose.
It’s not too late to join.
The 3-month quota will give you February, March, April
and the first week in May. That’s 76 meetings for $240 which equates to about $3.15 per race day.
If you are keen to join simply Email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz for the banking details  and receive the well thought out group one Te Rapa form on Saturday as an important launch for a great period of racing.

Des Coppins
021 448 052

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