Two Fortuna horses to seek Group One glory at Ellerslie over the Summer Carnival

An exciting few days awaits the Fortuna Team in the next couple of weeks. On Boxing Day, Fortuna’s 8yo Gelding, CHANCE TO DANCE, contests the Group One Zabeel Classic (2000 metres) for $200,000 of prizemoney. Irish Bred and the winner of seven races from 28 starts in Ireland and Australia before being acquired by Fortuna in April of this year, CHANCE TO DANCE has won two of his three starts in NZ this Spring, one at Listed Level and the other at Group Three level.

Six Days later, last season’s Champion 2yo MELODY BELLE, contests the Group One Sistema Railway Stakes (1200 metres) for $200,000 of prizemoney. The winner of four races from eight race day starts, MELODY BELLE, has accumulated close to $900,000 of prizemoney in her career to date.

Fortuna Racing Manager, John Galvin, is shaking his head at the prospect of two of his charges contesting these two major events on the NZ Racing Calendar within a few days of each other. “It is an incredible prospect” he says,” here we have two horses, each at the opposite ends of the spectrum, one an 8yo genuine staying type who has been there and done it in three different countries, the other a fizzy 3yo sprinter with an amazing 2yo record, now taking on the big guns at the highest level – it doesn’t get much better than that. And interestingly many of the Members in the Melody Belle Syndicate are also in the Chance to Dance Syndicate as well, so those people are going to get two massive ownership thrills, win, lose or draw within a few days of each other at the same venue.”

Opie Bosson will ride Chance to Dance on Boxing Day and Michael McNab will ride Melody Belle on New Year’s Day

“Chance to Dance” – winning OMF Stakes  – Ellerslie 7th November 2017

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Two Fortuna runners to make debuts over the Christmas Racing Carnival

Handsome Rebel (2yo Gelding – Denman-London Rebel) makes his race day debut at New Plymouth on 27th December.

Meteoric Lass (3yo Filly – Stratum-Benetar) debuts at Hastings on New Years Day.

Interestingly, both of these horses were acquired at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale, Meteoric Lass at the 2016 sale for A$50,000  and Handsome Rebel at the 2017 sale for A$65,000.

METEORIC LASS at the Matamata trials November 2017

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Fortuna entertains Te Akau Stable staff in Matamata 18th December

An enjoyable evening was had by all at Matamata’s well know Redoubt Bar when Fortuna’s John and Jessica Galvin put on a “shout” for the hard working Te Akau stable staff. John Galvin explains, “the  Chance To Dance syndicate had approved a small slice of their winning prizemoney to be paid as a staff bonus and so we decided, seeing that it was Christmas time to give the stable staff a nice evening out. These people put in an incredible effort behind the scenes, getting up at 3.30 am in the morning, rain, hail and shine – they are an extremely dedicated bunch and it was a privilege to be able to show our appreciation in a small way for their efforts.”

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Race Fields Legislation approaches its final Hurdle before becoming law.

The Parliamentary Committee (Chaired by National MP David Bennett) has approved a final draft of the above legislation and all that needs to happen now is for the Bill to go before the House for a final reading – this should be a formality. The Bill puts into place legislation which applies a levy to the betting turnover of International Corporate bookmakers (primarily Australian based) who take bets on NZ Race Fields. Similar legislation has been in place in Australia for three or four years and the Australian Racing Jurisdictions have benefited to the tune of several hundreds of millions of dollars in that time. It is estimated that the NZ Racing Board will benefit to the tune of $15 to $20 million in the first year of implementation – a welcome shot in the arm for the NZ racing industry.

MELODY BELLE Runs 3rd on resuming

Last Season’s Champion Two Year Old, MELODY BELLE, had the first start of her Three Year Old career at Ellerslie Saturday 9th December. In her first race for almost six months she contested the Open Sprint over 1200 metres, taking on a quality field of Open Class Sprinters. Slightly slow away, she went forward on a competitive early pace to position outside the leader, challenged to lead mid-straight and fought hard for third, behind VOLPE VELOCE and HEROIC VALOUR. Her Training Team of Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards declared themselves very happy with her performance, saying that she had a god blow after the race and would take a lot of improvement from it ahead of her next assignment, the Group One System Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New years Day.

Melody Belle wins the Karaka Million 29th January 2017

BEAU GESTE  to make his race Day debut at Hastings Thursday 14th December

Three Year old Gelding BEAU GESTE (Pour Moi – Villa Wanda), a 3/4 brother to the multiple Group One winner, WALL STREET, heads to the races for the first time this week. A rangy staying type, BEAU GESTE  was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2016 Karaka Yearling Sale.

“We have been very patient with this horse,” reports Fortuna Director, John Galvin,” he trialed in the Autumn as a 2yo, but was quite weak, so we put him aside and since resuming training in the early Spring, he has been brought along steadily. He trialed at Matamata two weeks ago, running a nice 3rd and the Training Team have determined that he can make his race day debut.”

BEAU GESTE – Matamata Trials November 2017

FORTUNA OWNERS DAY  a huge success

Fortuna Syndicators held one of their popular Owners Days at Matamata Race course on Sunday 10th December. Attended by approximately 85 Fortuna Syndications Members, the occasion honoured the various jockeys that have ridden successfully for Fortuna over the years, headed up by the now retired Noel Harris. All of the Fortuna horses currently in work at Matamata were paraded, including stable stars, MELODY BELLE  and CHANCE TO DANCE, along with the new acquisitions, the Singapore bound AABIR  and the Ready to Run sale purchase, the Jakkalbery-Red Alert Gelding “Winston”. A great time was had by all participants.

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer Mark Walker claims 2017 season Singapore Trainer’s Premiership

With the 2018 Singapore racing season coming to a close on Sunday, Mark Walker has claimed the title of Champion Singapore Trainer for the second time – to add to his five New Zealand Trainers’ Premiership titles!

Congratulations to Mark Walker and all the team in Te Akau Racing in Singapore in winning yet another Premiership!

Mark finished the season on 87 wins. A truly remarkable performance and 22 wins ahead of the second placed trainer.

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Last Call for Fortuna “Owners Day” – Matamata Race Course Sunday 10^th December
 

Jakkalberry- Red Alert 2yo Gelding – “Winston.”

Click HERE to read full story

Fortuna’s JACKS SECRET breaks through for his Maiden win in Singapore

Cliches filled the airwaves late evening Friday 10th November after JACKS SECRET, (five year old gelding – Sahkees Secret-Spin N Grin) won the Class 5 1400 metre event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse. “All good things come to he who waits,” “Patience is a virtue”, “No longer the bridesmaid”  were some of the cliches being employed. This because JACKS SECRET, who had made his Singapore debut in October 2016 had had seventeen previous starts without victory. The horse had not been without form however, as 13 of those 17 starts had resulted in prizemoney earnings and his three previous starts before victory had yielded three seconds in a row.

Drawn the outside barrier in the 14 horse field, rider Vlad Duric elected to go back and ride for luck. Prior to the turn Duric was steadily picking his way through the field and it was obvious he had a mount full of running beneath him and all he needed to do was find clear air in the run home in order to be competitive in the finish. The clear air came, but job was not over as the race leader, Sing Roulette, had established a five length break as they turned. Out in the middle of the track, however, JACKS SECRET had mounted a compelling run, quickly reeled in the leader and went to the line with two lengths to spare. Click HERE to watch the race video replay.

JACKS SECRET – victorious in Singapore – Vlad Duric in the saddle

JACKS SECRET  was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2014 Karaka Yearling Sales for the sum of $25,000. He has now accumulated over $72,000 in prize money earnings. He is owned and raced by the Fortuna Jacks Secret Syndicate, an ownership group of 24 individuals, 2 of whom are Singapore residents.

Latest Fortuna acquisition

Shares in Fortuna’s latest “Straight To Singapore” acquisition, the O’Reilly – Neraan 3yo Gelding, named “AABIR” are selling quickly, now 65% sold. A big, strong (16.1 hands) type, AABIR has been well prepared and shown excellent ability going to the trials four times for a win, two seconds and a third.

Click HERE to see video clip of AABIR parading.

He is scheduled to travel to Singapore where he will be prepared by Singapore’s leading Trainer, Mark Walker. All going well, he will have his first start in March and will be racing in Restricted Maiden Grade, a grade that carries S$85,000 (approx NZ$90,000 in prize money (no. that is not a misprint)

“Aabir” –

FORTUNA’S Champion Two Year Old, MELODY BELLE  to trial at Avondale Thursday 16th November

Yes, she’s back!! MELODY BELLE will have the second of her two 3yo season trials at Avondale this week ahead of her planned 3yo debut at Ellerslie on Saturday 9th December in the Open Sprint. The winner of $865,000 from just seven starts as a 2yo, MELODY BELLE  has some ambitious targets as a 3yo, with the Group One System Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Years Day being her initial major target and the $1m Karaka 3yo Classic over 1600 metres at Ellerslie being her second major target.

Fortuna’s CHANCE TO DANCE has his summer racing campaign mapped out

8yo CHANCE TO DANCE who has won two of his three NZ starts, both in elite races has gone for a water walker freshen up after his win in the Group 3 OMF Stakes at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. Having had just four starts in the Fortuna colours, he has already won prize money of NZ$130,000. He will start next in the Group One Zabeel Classic (200- metre -$200,000) on Boxing Day at Ellerslie and from there his plans include the Group One Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa (2000 metres $400,00) on 9th February and the Group One Auckland Cup (3200 metres $500,000) on 9th March

FORTUNA horses racing this week  

VENUS DE MILO races Singapore Friday 17th November,  HIDDEN PROMISE races Singapore 19th November, OUR RIVER DANCER races at the Perak Turf Club meeting (Malaysia) 18th November.

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Cliches filled the airwaves late evening Friday 10th November after JACKS SECRET, (five year old gelding – Sahkees Secret-Spin N Grin) won the Class 5 1400 metre event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse. “All good things come to he who waits,” “Patience is a virtue”, “No longer the bridesmaid”  were some of the cliches being employed. This because JACKS SECRET, who had made his Singapore debut in October 2016 had had seventeen previous starts without victory. The horse had not been without form however, as 13 of those 17 starts had resulted in prizemoney earnings and his three previous starts before victory had yielded three seconds in a row.

Drawn the outside barrier in the 14 horse field, rider Vlad Duric elected to go back and ride for luck. Prior to the turn Duric was steadily picking his way through the field and it was obvious he had a mount full of running beneath him and all he needed to do was find clear air in the run home in order to be competitive in the finish. The clear air came, but job was not over as the race leader, Sing Roulette, had established a five length break as they turned. Out in the middle of the track, however, JACKS SECRET had mounted a compelling run, quickly reeled in the leader and went to the line with two lengths to spare. Click HERE to watch the race video replay.

JACKS SECRET – victorious in Singapore – Vlad Duric in the saddle

JACKS SECRET  was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2014 Karaka Yearling Sales for the sum of $25,000. He has now accumulated over $72,000 in prize money earnings. He is owned and raced by the Fortuna Jacks Secret Syndicate, an ownership group of 24 individuals, 2 of whom are Singapore residents.

Fortuna’s CHANCE TO DANCE victorious in Group 3 OMF Stakes at Ellerslie 0n Melbourne Cup Day

Failing to perform in the Group One Livamol Classic after being posted three wide most of the trip, CHANCE TO DANCE  sought atonement when meeting a good field of Weight For Age gallopers in Ellerslie’s OMF Stakes over 2000 metres on Melbourne Cup Day and atone he did, outstaying the field in the hands of Opie Bosson to recored his 9th career win and his 2nd in the Fortuna Colours. An outstanding result. Read the full story HERE

CHANCE TO DANCE winning at Ellerslie 7th November

Shares in Fortuna’s latest “Straight to Singapore acquisition. “Aabir” – the O’Reilly – Neraan 3yo Gelding proving very popular – now 48% sold after a week on market 

Big and strong (16.2 Hands), an impeccable pedigree and a trial winner, this lovely horse carries some impressive credentials ahead of his imminent departure (Dec 16th) to race in the care of Singapore’s leading Trainer, Mark Walker. A 5% share is $7400 all up and $170 per month from 1st January 2018 – Shares available right down to 1%. We are conducting a Te Akau Stud visit to view this horse Sunday 12th November – he is based at Te Akau Stud in the Western Waikato – we meet at BP Ngaruawahia at 11am and drive to the Stud as a group – contact John 021 921 460 if you would like to participate in this Open Day. Viewings available on other occasions as well.

Click HERE to see full details on this great opportunity.

 “AABIR” – 3yo Gelding by O’REILLY out of NERAAN (Elusive Quality)

Fortuna Horses racing this week

JACKS SECRET races Singapore Friday 10th November,  PRINCE DARCI races Singapore 12th November, EATONS GOLD, KING SAVINSKY, READY FORTUNE, OUR RIVER DANCER and SECRET SPICE all run at the Penang meeting 11th November.

“Vindicated “ was how Fortuna Syndications boss, John Galvin, reacted post race when asked how he felt about his charge, the 8yo CHANCE TO DANCE, winning the OMF Stakes (Group 3) at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. “I was bitterly disappointed that he did not get his chance in the Livamol Classic at Hastings after being posted three wide for most of the trip,” he said, “I knew he was much better than that and so to win this race today against what was a very good field is a very good feeling.”

Given a dream trip in the trail by Opie Bosson, Chance to Dance (Teofilo – Crystal Ballet) was off the rail to challenge at the 300m and simply outstayed his rivals over the concluding stages.

It was a performance not dissimilar to his fresh-up win in the Haunui Farm Karaka Classic (Listed, 1600m) at Pukekohe on September 24th, when staying on strongly between runners to grab ascendency near the line.

“Barrier one helped, he got a perfect run in behind the leaders, didn’t spend a penny, and I hadn’t really gone for him until halfway up the straight and I know that when you put the stick around his backside he gives you that bit more,” Bosson said. “He loves a fight and it was a good win.”

Click HERE to see race result and Video Replay

CHANCE TO DANCE winning at Ellerslie

For Bosson the win continued a sensational record in the Fortuna colours, notching his second success aboard Chance to Dance from as many rides, and having combined with Champion Two-Year-Old title winner Melody Belle (Commands) for victories in both the Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) at Ellerslie, and Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m) in Brisbane

Purchased in March for $260,000 by David Ellis, on behalf of Fortuna Syndications, at the inaugural Inglis Chairman’s Sale of Elite Racing Prospects in Sydney, Chance To Dance is a former European and Australian galloper and following his purchase, he finished second in the $2m Sydney Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m), subsequently declared a non-race, and then ran fifth a fortnight later in the rerun.

Ellis purchased Chance to Dance from Nick and Lloyd Williams, who half an hour after Chance to Dance won at Ellerslie, celebrated their sixth Melbourne Cup with Rekindling (High Chaparral).

Chance to Dance took his record to nine wins from 31 starts, running the 2000 metres in 2:04.7, last 600m in 34.3, and has now won over $529,000 in career prizemoney.

He returned to a rousing reception from a large contingent of his owners who were on course to support him.

“It’s a wonderful day to be winning races here at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day,” said Fortuna Syndications Director John Galvin, “I would like to thank Fortuna’s Singapore trainer Mark Walker for bringing this horse to my attention, David Ellis for securing him for us, Stephen and Jamie for doing such a great job training him and the whole Te Akau team whom we continue to enjoy a great relationship with and, of course, our wonderful ownership group”

Chance to Dance was strapped by Melissa Ford.

The Chance to Dance Syndicate is made up of a group of 74 individuals.

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

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

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

The objective is to, as a minimum, get back all or some of the initial outlay and at a maximum “scoop the pool”.

Suggested Capital outlay $100. Not a small amount of money for many, but, hey, this is the Melbourne Cup and you can outlay a smaller sum, using smaller bets if you so choose.

First Step

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

Second Step.Place Bets as follows

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

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

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

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

So, how would you have done in the 2015 event if you had used this betting strategy?

Well, the winner Prince of Penzance paid $65.90  for the win (despite being a last start winner in Melbourne) and $16.60 for the place so a $10 each way bet on him would have returned $825

The quinella paid $704 so if you had 1st and 2nd horses on your quinella ticket, you would have collected a further $704

The trifecta paid $17,036 so with all the right numbers on your ticket a 25% percentage bet would have returned $4,259

The First 4 paid a whopping $307,081 so an 8% percentage bet would have returned $24,566

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

Good luck and if you are unsure about how to place these bets, TAB staff at any TAB agency will be very helpful. Or email John Galvin HERE

Disappointing Outcome for Fortuna’s CHANCE TO DANCE in Group One Livamol Classic

Our expectations were justifiably high, CHANCE TO DANCE was in perfect order and had traveled down to Hastings well. Riding instructions were clear and so we seemed to be all set for a top run from “TED”. But  it takes a very good horse to race successfully in a Group One race after being three wide without cover for much of the trip. So, it was not to be that this horse could taste Group One success. However he has pulled up post race without issue and all going well, his next race will be in the Weight For Age OMF Stakes, a Group Three Event over 2000 metres at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day.

Cambridge Trials 24th October – Two Fortuna trialists

Recent good weather has helped dry the tracks out and so, despite further rainfall on Labour Day, a reasonable trials surface at a Dead 6 was presented at Cambridge. Fortuna’s Handsome Rebel (2yo G Denman- London Rebel) was having his 2nd trial after a nice 2nd at his debut trial at Ruakaka 2 weeks ago. Away nicely, he took a sit in behind the leaders and finished off the 800 metre trip full of running with limited room in the straight for a 5th placing, two lengths from the winner. Rider Danielle Johnson reported “lovely horse, nice action, needs to trial again before his race day debut.”

Handsome Rebel – Cambridge Trials 24th Oct 2017

Fortuna’s Champion 2yo of last season, MELODY BELLE was then presented for her first public outing as a 3yo. This was always going to be a quiet trial for her, but in the hands of Opie Bosson, she was away well from the 935 metre barrier, took a sit in behind the leaders and was allowed to stride home with Opie not moving a muscle for 3rd place just a bit over a length from the winner. Opie reported “couldn’t be happier, she is right on track.” MELODY BELLE will trial again at the same venue on 15th November ahead of her 3yo race day debut in the Open Sprint at Ellerslie on 9th December, this ahead of her two big summer assignments, the $200k Group One Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and the $1m Karaka 3yo Mile at the same venue 27th January.

Melody Belle – Cambridge Trials 24th October 2017

Click HERE to see trial results and Video replays – the Fortuna horses are in Heats 2 and 9

Wedding of The Year

I didn’t get to attend the wedding and I must confess that I don’t know the Groom at all, we must move in different circles!!!!!, but I have known the bride for close to 30 years in both political and racing circles.

All joking aside, our new Deputy Prime Minister, whose support of the Racing Industry is legendary, has made some strong commitments (subject to him being in power) to the Racing Industry, including a commitment to supporting the construction of a badly needed all weather track and, doubtless, the industry will be holding Winston to those commitments. The release of the coalition agreement between the two parties will be interesting to read in order to see what specifics there are with respect to the racing industry.

Fortuna Horses racing this week

The half brothers, MAJOR TOM and JACKS SECRET, are both set to race in Singapore this Sunday 29th October.