Fortuna 6yo ELLIOT NESS records his 3^rd career win in Singapore 6th August

Ellerslie Track Reconstruction

Sam Bergerson – Young Gun

Fortuna has four runners Saturday and Sunday –  two in NZ and two in Singapore
 
New Zealand

KHAFEEF runs in the One win Hurdles event at Riccarton on Saturday 12^th August – Race 1 @ 11.30am and will be ridden by Dean Parker. Strong Hurdles winner at Hawera in late April, he then fell in a Hurdles event at Hastings early June – had a couple of starts on the flat since then (including one on Riccarton synthetic last Wednesday where his saddle slipped). Very capable jumper who can go keen and is unpredictable as a result – is 2^nd fave @ $3.60/$1.20 and can take this out if things go right for him

BEAU GESTE races in the Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton Saturday 12^th August – Race 4 @1.12pm with Dean Parker to ride. Ran out of condition with 600m to go Sydenham Hurdles last week after traveling and jumping well – very capable jumper on his day but meets some more seasoned runners in this and may just need the run – tempting odds @$21/$3.60 though

Singapore – Sunday

KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 4 1200 Turf event – Race 7 @3pm Singapore time (7pm NZ Time) with Vlad Duric to ride from the outside barrier (11) – two wins and two seconds from 6 starts says it all for this lovely 4yo son of I Am Invincible. Was very strong for 2^nd last start when resuming off a break. Has taken a lot of improvement and provided Duric can negotiate a sweet passage from the wide draw, he is right in this

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

1st Pick: LIM’S STRAIGHT (3)
Gets a decent gate advantage over a few of his major opposition in this race. Has been super impressive since his return and well managed by Daniel Meagher, winning chance.
2nd Pick: KNIPPENBERG (1)
Carries the top weight in this weekends event which is a slight concern. Despite the big weight and wide gate, his class should take him a very long way in this event with Duric booked to ride.
3rd Pick: GALAXY BAR (10)
Hasn’t raced since his open maiden victory on the 2nd of July but has trialled since. Gets a super light weight for this weekend’s assignment against proven company, each way hope.
4th Pick: TRIBUTO (7)
Worked well during the week and a solid performance by him wouldn’t shock. Louis Beuzelin knows this horse well and can hopefully get the best out of him.

ENTERTAINER races in the Class 4 1100 Poly event – Race 12 @5.30pm Singapore time (9.30pm NZ Time) with Yusoff to ride from barrier 9 claiming 2kgs – has not won a race since September 2022 and has been mixing form of late – but has won eight times in his career, seven of those on this trip and surface – now back to Class 4m the first time he has raced in this grade for two years – is that the key? Needs a bit of luck from the draw but does have good gate speed and can feature in the finish here

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

1st Pick: ASIF (3)
Singapore debut for NSW galloper who was initially with Chris Waller. Two trials in the country have been solid, Nunes stays on for the race day start, respect.
2nd Pick: FADABOY (10)
Jamil sticks on this running claiming 4kg again which will see him have a featherweight once again. Last two starts have been super and the jump out to 1100m should only improve his chances to perform here.
3rd Pick: OPUNAKE (7)
Won immediately heading up to class 4 and confirmed that he is in great condition at the moment. Draws barrier 2 so expect him to roll forward from there and control from the front again, place hope.
4th Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Will appreciate the drop to 57kg here with the claiming rider on board. Back to class 4 should see him being super competitive this weekend, each way.

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Fortuna Track work – Matamata

No Fortuna timed trackwork this week

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 5^th August
RHETT BUTLER(ASLAM)1000/600-38; ENTERTAINER(YUSOFF)1000/600-38; KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)1000/600-38.5;

Tuesday 8th August
KNIPPENBERG (AWAH)800/600-40; ENTERTAINER (YUSOFF)800/600-40

Racing participants in New Zealand have a certain spring in their steps at the moment with the $20m increase in Stakes from 1 August and at our Premier racetrack, Ellerslie, the new Turf is being laid and the course is due to have its first race day in the middle of January – click HERE to see footage of progress with Ellerslie CEO, Paul Wilcox commenting

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