Fortuna Weekly Round Up 24th October
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.